Background
THIS RULING REPLACES THAT PUBLISHED ON 24 AUGUST 2016. THE DECISION HAS BEEN REVERSED, MAKING THE COMPLAINT NOT UPHELD.
Ad description
An email from Ladbrokes Betting & Gaming Ltd, received on 4 May 2016, stated “Ladbrokescasino [sic] … 10 FREE SPINS + 90 SPINS EXTRA”. The ad featured an image of Iron Man with the text “IRON MAN 3 … Enjoy this exclusive Ladbrokes welcome offer with Iron Man 3”.
Issue
The complainant challenged whether the ad was irresponsible because he believed it was likely to be of particular appeal to children.
Response
Ladbrokes Betting & Gaming Ltd said that all of their email offers were sent to either registered customers or to consumers who had been validated as being over 18 years of age. Therefore, they said that the image would not have been sent to any children or young people and because of that the ad would not be able to appeal to those under 18.
Ladbrokes said that the image was adult themed and was reflective of popular culture. Furthermore, they said evidence indicated that followers of Marvel comics and superheroes were predominantly adults. They said that was supported by data on attendance at Comic Con events and Facebook demographics for the Marvel brand. They said the latter source showed that the Marvel brand fan base for under 18-year-olds was 6.39%, with the predominant proportion falling within the 18- to 37-year old bracket.
Assessment
Not upheld
The ASA noted the CAP Code stated that gambling ads must not be likely to be of particular appeal to children or young persons, especially by reflecting or being associated with youth culture.
We considered the information related to ‘appeal’ provided by Ladbrokes. We understood that Comic Con events were generally aimed at adults, and incorporated comic books generally (rather than only Marvel or Iron Man), as well as other films and science fiction/fantasy literature. While we also noted the evidence related to the Marvel brand, we understood that all Facebook users must declare themselves to be at least 13 years old, thus excluding younger children from the sample. We considered those younger children were likely to be the primary audience for Iron Man action figures and related merchandise, which we understood were widely available at toy retailers.
We understood that Iron Man was a popular character that would appeal to many adults but considered its comic book nature, and the availability of various related toys, meant it was likely to have particular appeal to children and young people.
Nevertheless, we noted that the ad was sent by email only to registered customers and others who had been validated as being over 18 years of age. Unlike other media that was not directed at children or young persons but that they could nevertheless be exposed to, we considered that in this instance Ladbrokes had targeted the email to ensure it was extremely unlikely that anybody under 18 years of age would see the ad.
Although the ad was likely to have particular appeal to children and young persons, we concluded that because the ad would not be seen by them, it was not irresponsible.
We investigated the ad under CAP Code rules 16.1 and 16.3.12 16.3.12 be likely to be of particular appeal to children or young persons, especially by reflecting or being associated with youth culture (Gambling), but did not find it in breach.
Action
No further action necessary.
