The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) published a ruling after investigating on a TV advert of Coral Interactive. The investigation was initiated after two individuals filed complaints over an ad seen on October 18th, 2016, which promoted the cash out feature of Coral Interactive.
The advert informed users that the Cash Out My Bet feature of the brand was accessible online or through the players’ smartphone, allowing them to cash out their bets with the brand. The complainants called the TV ad misleading as they were not allowed to cash out their bets by using the above-mentioned feature.
Coral Interactive, of course, responded. As the first individual claimed that the Cash Out feature was unavailable for prolonged periods of time on a couple of dates, the company explained that the brand had always been focused on ensuring that the feature could be used as long as possible, some “inevitable and uncontrollable circumstances” occurred. The latter were associated with some technical issues related to the functionality, which was why the feature might have not been available.
According to the brand, the terms and conditions were clearly regarding the Cash Out My Bet feature of the company. The terms and conditions, on the other hand, were available at the brand’s website, stating that the availability of the feature is not guaranteed, and the company has the right to change, suspend or even fully remove the Cash Out My Bet feature.
On the other hand, the second complainant claimed they were not able to cash out their football bet selection. The company explained that the Cash Out feature was available to football users in regard to their selections. Coral Interactive also stated that there were some restrictions regarding the bets that were available for cash out.
After investigating the case, the Advertising Standards Authority released a statement on the complaints filed by the two individuals. The Authority decided to uphold the accusations against the company. Regarding the first complaint, the ASA said the TV advert was misleading as the customers could understand that the Cash Out feature available on the brand’s website could have been used at any time and stage and any bet they placed with the bookmaker. On the second complaint, the Authority explained that the advert provided a misleading impression for the customers.
The Advertising Standards Authority investigated on the case and ruled out that the Coral Interactive TV advert breached BCAP Code provisions 3.1 and 3.2 on Misleading Advertising and 3.10 on Qualification. Under its ruling, the advert must be released in its present form no more. The Authority also recommended Coral Interactive to make sure that the brand’s future adverts do not mislead the brand’s customers.
- Author
Daniel Williams
