Underage Row At UK Sportsbook
Published: Saturday, April 01, 2006 Online-Casinos.com
UNDERAGE ROW AT UK SPORTSBOOK
Operator and politician in war of words
The online football pools site The Pool was sporting a bright pink "BANNED" notice across it's splash page this week, although entry was still possible. The probable cause was a row the operator has had with the Advertising Standards Authority and UK Secretary for Culture Tessa Jowell over advertising aimed at young people.
The Guardian Online reported that following criticism by Jowell, and a requirement by the ASA to pull it's adverts, Pool.com hit back by saying that 16- and 17-year-olds can bet legally on pools and if the minister does not like it she should change the law.
The Pool.com defended the pulled campaign, which was branded "utterly reprehensible" by Ms Jowell, saying that it "did not believe highlighting that 16- or 17-year-olds can bet legally is socially irresponsible".
"The law clearly states that people of 16 or 17 can bet on pools, as they can on the National Lottery and in fact purchase premium bonds," the company said in a statement. "If the secretary of state feels that the law is wrong she should take action to change it."
It also expressed "surprise" at the actions of Lord Borrie, the ASA chairman, who took the unusual step of personally ordering the ads to be withdrawn before an investigation was conducted.
The Pool.com said it was contacted by the ASA over concerns about its advertising and as a result "we immediately amended the ad to remove explicit references to the fact that 16-year-olds are legally able to take part in pool bets".
The ASA said it will also investigate whether the ads breached clauses in its code stating that advertising of gaming services should not encourage excessive gambling, exploit the young or immature or be prepared in a socially irresponsible manner.
The Pool.com said that it wanted to stay within the non-broadcast regulatory code of the ASA and cooperate with the investigation, but added that it does not "seek to promote gambling to those aged 16 or 17, nor does it seek to market irresponsibly".
The ad campaign, which has appeared in London freesheet Metro, a men's lifestyle magazine and as a promotional leaflet, features scantily clad women and lines such as "Why wait 'til 18? Bet at 16" and "Make lots of money when your friends join too".
