UK television stars under investigation by advertising watchdog

The BBC reported Friday that three actors from the reality television series Geordie Shore are being investigated by UK advertising watchdog the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) on suspicion of promoting gambling websites on their social media accounts without making their affiliation with gambling companies clear.

Gary Beadle, Scott Timlin and Aaron Chalmers have been named amid allegations that they have not revealed that their social media posts are adverts. The trio have not yet commented on the accusation.

The BBC report notes that the trio have a combined 15.3 million followers on several social networking sites, and that it is alleged that their posts advertise gambling odds on sports fixtures and encourage followers to link to betting websites Coral and Ladbrokes.

The Ladbrokes Coral gambling group has confirmed the men are affiliates marketers who are paid commissions if users sign up to a betting account through their social media sites.

Celebrities are allowed to post on social media for companies, but must make clear that it is an advertisement, and subject to strict rules regarding gambling advertising.

The ASA told BBC Radio 5 live it was investigating and would be contacting the advertisers and brands behind the offers that the three have posted about.

A spokesman said: “The issue is high up on our agenda. Protecting young and vulnerable people from inappropriately targeted or irresponsible gambling ads is a priority.”

The ASA also confirmed Beadle had been warned about similar social media posting behaviour before, and had agreed to make adverts clear in future.

Ladbrokes Coral said: “Ladbrokes Coral has what is a very standard affiliate relationship with these celebrities, and which is compliant with the ASA and CAP [Committees of Advertising Practice] rules governing this activity.”

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