ASA reprimands Ladbrokes over casino bonus offer
Operator under fire from the advertising watchdog for misleading email promotion
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has banned a Ladbrokes email promotion after the ad watchdog ruled a “misleading” bonus offer had failed to specify wagering requirements clearly.
The advert, sent out on 21 April 2016 to the operator’s Table Club players, stated: “Check this out: Deposit £35 and Get £5 … Deposit £60 and Get £10 … Deposit £100 and Get £20 …” with a Deposit Now button placed below the text.
Terms and conditions further down the ad outlined that customers were required to wager the amount five times in casino, slots and live casino to redeem the deposit bonus amount and winnings.
A complaint challenged whether the ad was “misleading” as it did not make clear that a 30% bonus bet limit was in place.
Ladbrokes admitted the maximum free bet stake rule should have been given equal prominence to the wagering requirements, and said future promotions would further clarify the conditions.
The ASA also ruled Ladbrokes should have made it clear the money wagered in different games would contribute different amounts towards the overall wagering requirements that applied to the deposit bonus offer.
Slots (excluding Alternative slots and All double options on Slots), scratchcards and All other games that were not listed were the only game types that contributed 100% towards the wagering requirements.
The watchdog ruled the advert must not appear in its current form, and told Ladbrokes to ensure future promotions included relevant applicable significant conditions where their omission was likely to mislead.