Unibet Fined for Misleading Advert on Football Bets

Strategic Insights -

Online bookmaker Unibet has been reprimanded by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) for running a misleading advert for a "risk free bet" on a Sunderland Premier League game against Manchester United. The complaint was upheld, and the company has been ordered not to use the advert again. The advert, which promised a £20 "risk free bet" on the game, failed to inform punters that any refund on losing bets would be in the form of a bonus, rather than cash, and would require them to place further bets at specified odds.

Key Takeaways:

  • Unibet was found to have breached the ASA's advertising rules by not clearly informing punters of the conditions surrounding their "risk free bet" offer.
  • The ASA upheld three complaints about the advert, which was deemed to be misleading to consumers.
  • Unibet has been ordered to amend their ads to include a clear reference to the terms and conditions, as well as a warning that conditions apply.
  • The company has removed all reference to their "risk free bet" offer from their advertising in line with the ASA's adjudication.
  • The advert was specifically related to a game between Sunderland and Manchester United in August.

Statistics:

  • £20: The amount of the "risk free bet" promised in the advert.
  • 1-1: The final score of the Sunderland vs Manchester United match.
  • Three: The number of complaints upheld by the ASA against Unibet.
  • 20: The number of punters who placed a bet through the "risk free bet" offer.
  • One: The number of times Unibet has been reprimanded by the ASA for misleading advertising.

Sources:

  • Advertising Standards Authority (ASA)
  • Unibet (International) Ltd
  • Gambleaware.co.uk