ASA Confirms Advertising Code Breach by Geoff Banks
Date: 2024-07-17 Author: Alex Crawford Categories: EVENTS
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has confirmed that advertising by bookmaker Geoff Banks Online breaches the CAP Code relating to promotional betting. The violation relates to a lack of clarity regarding the terms of a £10 free bet promotion on the Scottish Grand National published in April 2024.
The essence of advertising and complaint
The promotion offered a £10 free bet on the Scottish Grand National to those who bet on the Aintree Grand National. However, the plaintiff claimed that he was unable to benefit from this advertisement. The terms of the promotion read:
- Place your bet on the Aintree Grand National and get a free bet on the Scottish Grand National.
- The minimum qualifying bet was £10 to win or £5 each way.
- Qualifying bets must be placed by 15:00 on Saturday 13 April.
- The free bet will be credited by Saturday April 20th.
Disadvantages in advertising
The ASA concluded that the advertisement did not comply with the requirements of the CAP code, which requires that material information and terms be clearly stated. To participate in the promotion, the player must have received and responded to a text message from Geoff Banks Online by 5:00 pm on April 19, 2024. However, these terms were not clearly stated in the advertisement or subsequent email, resulting in consumer confusion.
GB Sports Advisors said all parameters were clearly set out in the terms of the original advertisement and other bidders had no problems paying off the promotional rate. However, the ASA did not accept this explanation, pointing out that key information was missing from the advertisement and subsequent communication.
In May, the ASA also upheld its decision against Festival Free Bets and social media influencer Astrid Vett, highlighting the importance of adhering to advertising standards to prevent consumers being misled.
