Betfair ordered to use over-25s in its poker ads

28 Sep 2009

LONDON, England -- As reported by The Sunday Business Post: "Online betting firm Betfair ...has been ordered not to use people under 25 in its poker advertisements.

"An e-mail ad for Betfair's online poker site showed a photograph of a young woman and stated 'online experience is measured in games, not years. Join the new breed. Annette Obrestad - 'Annette--15' ".

"A complainant objected that the ad was irresponsible, because it might encourage children and young people to gamble.

"Obrestad, a Norwegian who has just turned 21, is part of the Betfair Poker Pro team and is considered one of the best online multi-table poker tournament players in the world.

"...The company said Obrestad featured in the ad not because of her age, but because of her standing as a poker champion who'd had a profound effect on the game.

"...The ASA ordered that the ad should not appear again in its current form and told Betfair to ensure that no one who was - or seemed to be - under 25 years old should appear gambling or playing a significant role in any future ads..." It is part of the $1.9 billion portfolio of Balderton Capital, run by Maloney.

 
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