Content on this site will contain reference to products or services from one or more of our advertisers or partners. We may receive compensation when you view ads or click on links to those products or services.
Paddy Power and Sky Bet Cleared of Irresponsible Ad Claims
This month, the Advertising Standards Authority has been publishing its latest rulings regarding customer complaints. While the companies and organisations that have been investigated represent a range of niches as diverse as life insurance and e-cigarettes, two are linked to well-known British gambling brands, Paddy Power and Sky Bet.
Why were complaints made?
The ASA published its ruling on the Paddy Power complaints on 8th February 2023 after determining that the complaints it received should not be upheld.
There were two complainants in the case who took issue with two separate TV ads for Paddy Power that were shown last November.
The first ad offered viewers a “completely free bet builder on all England games” and feature the ex-England football player, Peter Crouch. The second advert also starred Peter Crouch and used a Christmas theme. Both ads used the slogan “Where were you in ’22?” as a push to get viewers to get behind the England World Cup team while also celebrating Christmas.
The complainants’ issue with the adverts regarded Peter Crouch’s appearance, which they felt made the ads strongly appealing to minors and, therefore, breached the advertising standards code.
Not down with the youth!
Paddy Power challenged the complaints by pointing out that Peter Crouch’s last appearance as a footballer for the England national team was in 2010, meaning that his popularity among under-18s had waned. As a 40-year-old, the sports betting brand believed that older viewers were more likely to relate with Peter than youngsters.
The ASA agreed with Paddy Power’s arguments and felt that the complaints should not be upheld.
The ASA’s ruling on a promoted tweet for Sky Bet was also published on 8th February. This time, the image featured the former English footballer Micah Richards and an offer for “£20 in free bets when you place a £5 bet”.
Again, the ad garnered two separate complaints that related to a high-profile footballer’s appearance making the ad more appealing to under-18s.
Sky Bet responded to the ASA by saying that Micah Richards left the Premier League in 2015 and that he has spent most of his time since at overseas clubs. It added that the star is now commonly recognised as a football pundit rather than a former England player and that the tweet had been specially targeted at adults and not children.
The ASA concluded that the ad was not overly appealing to young people or children and, therefore, did not uphold the complaints.
18+. New Customer Offer only. Deposit and spend £10 on bingo tickets within 30 days of joining Paddy Power Bingo. Get £10 as Slots Bonus. Get £30 paid as Bingo Bonus & 100 Free Spins ( £0.10/spin). 1 per customer. Full T&Cs apply. Please Gamble Responsibly. GambleAware.org #AD
Other Latest Industry News
22. Apr 202515:59
The Stars and Luck: Russell Grant on Astrology, Bingo, and Cosmic Fortune
For decades, Russell Grant has been a trusted name in astrology, offering cosmic insights that blend wisdom with his signature charm. But can the stars truly influence luck? Do certain zodiac signs have a better shot at winning games of chance? And what does astrology say about strategy, intuition, and fortune? WhichBingo wanted to get to the bottom of this. We sat down with the iconic astrologer to chat about…
by
Killian Morris
5min
16. Apr 202512:35
Hook, Line & Winner: Fishin’ Frenzy Bingo Goes Live
Fishin’ Frenzy Bingo is a brand new bingo game, the latest innovation in the bingo world, offering players like yourself an exciting new twist on the classic 90-ball bingo game. This game combines the fun of bingo with the excitement of slot features, jackpots, and bonus rounds, all while staying true to the famous Fishin’ Frenzy brand. The game looks great and is totally in line with the brand’s design…
by
Esther Rubin
2min
27. Mar 202516:57
Exclusive Inside Look: The Club 3000 Bingo Video Series Dropping Soon
Get ready for a brand new WhichBingo video series featuring one of the biggest brands in UK bingo, Club 3000 Bingo, along with a few famous faces. The trailer for episode one is now out, with the first episode dropping on the 3rd of April. From each Thursday after, a special new video will be released, giving an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at what makes this bingo so special. In Inside…
by
Esther Rubin
2min
4. Dec 202410:18
Get Ready for Vegas Night at Bally Casino
Get ready for Vegas Night at Bally Casino this December 6th 2024! Bally Casino will be putting the awesome into this jolly season by taking inspiration from the gambling capital of the world – Las Vegas. Players can get into the festive spirit by taking part in this huge event which plans to turn up the neon and excitement with a range of thrilling offers. Find out more about the range…
by
Jennifer McFadyen
2min
11. Mar 202516:42
200,000 Votes and Counting So Far in the 2025 WhichBingo Awards
WhichBingo, one of the UK’s best known and most trusted online bingo review and affiliate sites, owned and operated by Gambling.com Group, is delighted to reveal that more than 200,000 votes have so far been cast in the annual WhichBingo Awards. With just under a month to go, there is still plenty of time to vote, with the closing date for nominations being the 4th of April, 2025. Commenting on the…
by
Charles Shakespeare
3min
16. Dec 202412:32
The Best New Christmas Slot Releases 2024
Christmas is just around the corner and one of the easiest ways online slot players can get into the festive spirit is by spinning the reels of Xmas themed slot games. The good news is that it looks like Santa has come early this year as there is already a multitude of fantastic new Xmas themed slot releases available to spin! This includes top titles such as Santa’s Xmas Rush,…
by
Jennifer McFadyen
3min
17. Nov 202406:55
Safer Gambling Week 2024: An Important Conversation
For most people, gambling is a fun thing to do. A small deposit, a few wagers, or a cheeky flutter here and there can add a bit of thrill to your day. But for some, gambling can get out of control, creating financial and emotional challenges… or worse. That’s why Safer Gambling Week 2024 (SGW) which is running from Monday 18th of November to Sunday 24th of November is so…
by
Esther Rubin
3min
23. Oct 202420:13
Chris Rock Is Back And Better Than Ever With BetMGM
Some collaborations are a perfect match. That’s why BetMGM, owned by LeoVegas, has teamed up once again with legendary comedian Chris Rock to bring the thrill of Las Vegas to the UK’s betting scene. The second instalment of the ‘It’s Showtime!’ campaign, this time titled “Chris Rockin’ Locker Room Speech”, hit screens on the 17th October across TV, digital, radio, and social platforms, with Rock (and his trademark high-energy vibe)…
by
Esther Rubin
3min
16. Apr 202512:35
Hook, Line & Winner: Fishin’ Frenzy Bingo Goes Live
Fishin’ Frenzy Bingo is a brand new bingo game, the latest innovation in the bingo world, offering players like yourself an exciting new twist on the classic 90-ball bingo game. This game combines the fun of bingo with the excitement of slot features, jackpots, and bonus rounds, all while staying true to the famous Fishin’ Frenzy brand. The game looks great and is totally in line with the brand’s design…
by
Esther Rubin
2min
17. Nov 202406:55
Safer Gambling Week 2024: An Important Conversation
For most people, gambling is a fun thing to do. A small deposit, a few wagers, or a cheeky flutter here and there can add a bit of thrill to your day. But for some, gambling can get out of control, creating financial and emotional challenges… or worse. That’s why Safer Gambling Week 2024 (SGW) which is running from Monday 18th of November to Sunday 24th of November is so…
by
Esther Rubin
3min
20. Sep 202410:48
Betting Company Flutter Shows Community Spirit with £400k Cash4Clubs Initiative
Flutter UKI, the betting company behind brands Paddy Power Bingo, Betfair, Sky Betting & Gaming and tombola, shows that giving back can be a priority. As part of its Do More initiative which hopes to improve the lives of 10 million people by 2030, Flutter UKI has proudly announced the return of its flagship Cash4Clubs programme, offering financial support to grassroots sports organisations. For 2024, Cash4Clubs will offer a massive…
by
Esther Rubin
3min
12. Aug 202408:15
Mecca Bingo’s New Ad Campaign ‘Legends of Play’ – A Historical Hoot
Legends of Play Nothing to see here, just Mecca Bingo doing typical Mecca Bingo things—bringing a mix of comedy, quirkiness, and memorable voiceovers (shoutout to Jessica Knappett) to the bingo scene. Its new ad series, ‘Legends of Play since back in the day’ kicks off with Henry VIII celebrating a big win on his jewel-encrusted (mobile!) phone in a grand banquet hall. Anne Boleyn makes a frowning cameo as Knappett…
by
Esther Rubin
3min
28. Nov 202415:45
Two Developments in UK Gambling Designed to Protect Players
The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has announced two measures to improve player protection designed to reduce the risks of gambling addiction while ensuring that more operators contribute to helping people affected. The changes involve new stake limits and a statutory levy. Let’s read more about it. 1. New Stake Limits While full details have yet to be outlined, based on the Gambling Review’s White Paper, the…
by
Esther Rubin
3min
20. Nov 202415:49
Safer Gambling Week 2024: Promoting Positive Play and Industry Support
Safer gambling week is upon us once again but what does that mean for the gambling industry and those who play? For gambling companies it is an opportunity to engage with their customers and promote the various tools that are on offer to help players manage their gambling spend, their time spent gambling and their access to gambling. For consumers it is a chance to have open and honest conversations…
by
Rob Mabbett
3min
17. Nov 202406:55
Safer Gambling Week 2024: An Important Conversation
For most people, gambling is a fun thing to do. A small deposit, a few wagers, or a cheeky flutter here and there can add a bit of thrill to your day. But for some, gambling can get out of control, creating financial and emotional challenges… or worse. That’s why Safer Gambling Week 2024 (SGW) which is running from Monday 18th of November to Sunday 24th of November is so…
by
Esther Rubin
3min
13. Jun 202410:59
Rise in Safer Gambling Tools Use During Safer Gambling Week
New figures released have shown a substantial uptake in the use of safer gambling tools during last year’s Safer Gambling Week. 2023’s Safer Gambling Week was held from November 13th to November 19th and promoted an exciting campaign on the use of safer gambling tools when gambling. Safer Gambling Week is organised by the Betting and Gaming Council and is in its 7th year. It brings together many different areas…
by
Jennifer McFadyen
1min
9. Apr 202516:52
Nicola McLean on Big Brother, Bold Opinions and Why She’d Go Back in a Heartbeat
Nicola McLean was every bit the bold, bubbly personality fans remember from the Big Brother house. Holding the record for the most appearances in the iconic house (having taken part three times across various series) now that CBB is back on our screens for the next 3 weeks, Nicola speaks exclusively to WhichBingo and doesn’t hold back… Read for her thoughts on this year’s lineup, insider secrets, and why she’d…
by
Killian Morris
13min
27. Mar 202516:57
Exclusive Inside Look: The Club 3000 Bingo Video Series Dropping Soon
Get ready for a brand new WhichBingo video series featuring one of the biggest brands in UK bingo, Club 3000 Bingo, along with a few famous faces. The trailer for episode one is now out, with the first episode dropping on the 3rd of April. From each Thursday after, a special new video will be released, giving an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at what makes this bingo so special. In Inside…
by
Esther Rubin
2min
20. Mar 202512:04
Helen Flanagan on Corrie, Confidence, and Life in the Public Eye
Helen Flanagan has been a familiar face on British television for years, having first stepped onto the Coronation Street set as a child. From gripping storylines to reality TV moments that made headlines, she has carved out a career that spans soap stardom, jungle challenges, and social media influence. Sitting down with WhichBingo, Helen reflected on her journey so far, her hopes for the future, and how she navigates life in…
by
Killian Morris
5min
11. Mar 202516:42
200,000 Votes and Counting So Far in the 2025 WhichBingo Awards
WhichBingo, one of the UK’s best known and most trusted online bingo review and affiliate sites, owned and operated by Gambling.com Group, is delighted to reveal that more than 200,000 votes have so far been cast in the annual WhichBingo Awards. With just under a month to go, there is still plenty of time to vote, with the closing date for nominations being the 4th of April, 2025. Commenting on the…
by
Charles Shakespeare
3min
Updated October 16, 2024
Anita Heffernan
Author & Managing Editor
The Bingo Veteran – “Bingo Queen”
The Bingo Queen is a fun name earned from colleagues through Anita Heffernan's exceptional knowledge and commitment to the online bingo world. With over 20 years of experience as both a player and an expert in the industry, Anita has built a reputation as a trusted authority on all things bingo.
5min 
Reader comments