Bwin and Betway ads banned by the ASA
Operators' ads banned by the watchdog for "misleading" online promotions
Adverts produced by bwin and Betway have been banned by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) for “misleading” bonus and free bet promotions the companies respectively ran earlier this year.
Bwin found itself in trouble for a £30 welcome bonus offer it ran in March, which the ASA ruled was misleading as it was not clear customers would not be able to get the full bonus until they wagered six times their original deposit.
The complainant challenged whether the ad omitted significant terms and conditions after depositing £17 and was told that to release the bonus of £17 they needed to wager £102.
The promotion required a player to wager the sum of the bonus amount and the first deposit amount three times, with the bonus being released in two equal instalments. The first payable on wagering the bonus and first deposit amount 1.5 times, and the second on wagering the bonus and first deposit amount a further 1.5 times.
Despite bwin indicating the promotion was subject to terms and conditions immediately below the promotion, the ASA said the significance of the condition to consumers meant it should have been clearly stated in the main body of the ad, rather than only in the T&Cs.
The watchdog ruled the ad must not appear in its current form and told bwin’s operational arm, ElectraWorks Ltd, its future adverts must clearly state the wagering requirements for promotions.
Elsewhere, Betway’s site featured a promotion in June that carried the text: “Football Betting Offer £30 Free Bet ⦠Bet Now” while smaller text underneath stated “*Key Terms 1) New Customers Only. 2) Min deposit £10+ required. 3) Maximum Free Bet Amount is £30. 4) Free Bet will be unlocked after original deposit is staked. 5) Additional Terms apply”.
One complainant did not believe the ad clearly stated that to obtain a free bet of £30 customers must deposit the same amount, and challenged whether the text was misleading.
Betway admitted the complaint had merit as significant conditions quoted within the ad omitted it was for a 100% matched free bet based on the amount of a new customer’s first deposit.
Despite Betway amending the ad, the ASA ruled the text as “misleading” and warned the operator must ensure future free bet promotions are made clear if the free bet amount on offer was matched to the amount deposited by customers.