
Banned gambling ad featuring Lewis Hamilton appeals to children
Banned gambling ad featuring Lewis Hamilton appeals to children
- Betway's gambling ad featuring Sir Lewis Hamilton was deemed appealing to under-18s.
- The Advertising Standards Authority concluded the advertisement breached advertising regulations.
- The ASA instructed Betway not to feature individuals appealing to minors in future ads.
Story
In the UK, a gambling advertisement by Betway was prohibited due to its strong appeal to individuals under 18. The advertisement featured an identifiable likeness of Formula 1 driver Sir Lewis Hamilton, drawing attention from a younger audience. The ad aired on Facebook in July and depicted three F1 drivers with Hamilton's name prominently displayed. Following a complaint about its suitability, the Advertising Standards Authority ruled that the ad breached advertising regulations. Despite Betway's claims that Hamilton’s likeness was not directly him and provided data on his under-18 social media following, the ASA concluded it featured someone who appeals to minors, thus ruling it irresponsible. This was not the first instance, as just two months prior, a different ad featuring Hamilton was also banned under similar circumstances. The ASA’s stance has been clear; advertisers must consider the demographics of their audience and avoid including figures with significant appeal to under-18s in context with gambling promotions, emphasizing the need for responsible advertising practices. Concurrently, the ASA also banned ads from brands like Nike, Superdry, and Lacoste for making misleading environmental claims, reinforcing the regulatory body’s commitment to accurate representation in advertising and consumer protection.