Tabcorp to appeal ad watchdog decision to pull fishing trip ad for glamorising gambling
Tabcorp is set to appeal the Advertising Standard Bureau’s decision to ban an ad which complainants said “glorified gambling” and concealing gambling addiction.
The ad was part of Tabcorp’s new brand proposition with the slogan ‘No one has more racing action than the TAB app.’
The 30 second TVC featured a man thinking back to his fishing trip where he watched live races and racing form on the TAB app with his friends, before telling his girlfriend he had a great trip.
Complainants argued the advertisement condoned gambling and the seriousness of an addiction.
A complainant said: “This ad glorifies gambling and gambling addiction. This ad is always shown during family friendly hours exposing children to gambling and making it look like a great life choice.”
Another said the ad implied it was ok lie to your partner about a serious gambling addiction, made worse by the Bon Jovi soundtrack, ‘I will always love you.’
Tabcorp said in a response: “The advertisement does not ‘glamorise gambling as a kind of pleasure that one should indulge in over a weekend, but come home unsuspected’ and is not a depiction of a problem gambler concealing his gambling from his family.”
“The Advertisement is intended to promote that ‘No one has more racing action than the TAB App’ in a light-hearted and humorous manner and to depict the enjoyment that many Australians derive from using the racing Form and watching racing vision on their phone,” the advertiser told the ASB.
A minority of the Board considered the men placed one bet on the app and were watching the live and replay version of one race, thus showcasing how the app can allow you to relive a single experience.
However the majority of the Board noted the reminiscence of the trip focused solely on wagering activities, with the men oblivious to the fishing trip around them. The majority of the Board said the app took priority in all aspects of the men’s weekend.
The Board however noted the man’s response to his girlfriend was not a lie about his gambling activities, nor did it condone lying about a gambling addiction.
The ASB agreed the ad had overstepped the boundaries and ordered Tabcorp to pull it down.
In response to the ruling, the gambling company said: “While Tabcorp notes the Board’s decision, we do disagree with it and intend to seek an independent review. Tabcorp maintains that the Advertisement does not breach the Wagering Code.”
“Nonetheless, Tabcorp confirms that the Advertisement is not currently being broadcast on free-to-air or subscription television and does not propose to broadcast the Advertisement until such time as the matter is resolved.”
Ridiculous complaint in many ways, as such ALL gambling ads ‘glorify’ the activity otherwise wagering brands wouldn’t bother advertising. It’s either all or nothing I believe… be interesting to they are still alllowed to advertise in primetime in years to come (the networks will take a massive hit if regulations change)
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What a joke. Nanny state.
I often watch replays of the 2015 Epsom Handicap…… Winx was incredible.
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Imagine how sad your life would be if you went away for a fishing trip with your mates and instead of enjoying the great outdoors you spent the whole time betting on your phone and staring at a little screen. Tragic.
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This is just the latest in the ever expanding pool of totally crap gambling adverts. I love a punt as much as anyone, but this particular campaign is an insult. I’m convinced that those producing this drivel have (a) never had a punt and (b) never been to a public bar in their lives. I’m glad they’ve been called out – not because I’m pro nanny state, but because the TVC was simply so appalling.
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