‘Unauthorised’ Ubet pub poster censured for promoting betting every half an hour
A poster ad in a Brisbane pub for betting brand Ubet has been censured by the advertising watchdog for encouraging problem gambling.
The ad, on display at the Jubilee Hotel Brisbane, offered extra prizes to gamblers every half hour, and to those who had the biggest losses.
The poster advertised the opportunity to win a $25 “redemption punt for the biggest loser” every 30 minutes.
UBET’s promotional poster labeled: Biggest Loser – 12 Noon to 4pm. Prizes every half hour, with a $25 redemption punt for the biggest loser!”
On complaint said: “Ubet is deliberately promoting harmful gambling on so many levels.” It also pointed out that the poster did not contain the required responsible gambling message.
However, Ubet claimed the poster was created by the pub, acting as its agent, but without the brand’s knowledge.
It said: “Unfortunately in this instance the Agent has failed to provide the promotional material to UBET for review prior to the Promotion being made available in-store. As such, UBET did not have an opportunity to review the promotional concept or the associated creative before it was made available to customers and remind the Agent of their responsible gambling obligations. UBET has now issued a breach notice to the licence holder of the agency.”
The ad watchdog upheld the complaint. Ubet said it did not agree with the ruling and would ask for an independent review.
Abigail Dawson was Mumbrella's senior content journalist covering event content. She left Mumbrella to move into an agency role in 2020.
Linkedin
Some of these gambling ads are getting out of hand. There’s a TVC doing the rounds at the moment where the premise is about lying to family and friends so the guy can duck out to have a punt! Now call me nuts, but isn’t lying to your family and friends a warning sign that you’re a problem gambler?
User ID not verified.