Aussie betting firm blames pub owner for controversial promo

Australian online betting company UBet has found itself in trouble with the local advertising authority following complaints that a Ubet poster in a Brisbane pub encouraged problem gambling.

The poster, which the authorities agreed was contrary to responsible gambling principles, offered extra prizes to gamblers every half hour, and to those who had the biggest losses. In addition, it did not include the mandatory responsible gambling message.

Several complaints were lodged about the promo, alleging that it encouraged problem gambling on several different levels, but Ubet said in its defence that the poster was the work of the pub owner and had been created and displayed without the betting company’s knowledge or approval.

“Unfortunately in this instance the Agent has failed to provide the promotional material to UBET for review prior to the promotion being made available in-store,” Ubet claimed. “As such, UBET did not have an opportunity to review the promotional concept or the associated creative before it was made available to customers and remind the Agent of their responsible gambling obligations. UBET has now issued a breach notice to the licence holder of the agency.”

The ad watchdog upheld the complaint, but Ubet said it did not agree with the ruling and would ask for an independent review.