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UK’s Advertising Standards Authority Clarifies Content Marketing Rules for Gambling Advertising
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), the UK’s advertisement watchdog, has issued further guidance on the rules applied to “content marketing” of gambling services/products on social media and other digital channels.
The guidance was published as a “remit statement” responding to queries by operators, related to its 2021 “CAP Code on marketing communications appearing on websites, apps and cross-border platforms”.
Questions were raised as to what extent ASA’s remit covers gambling communications displayed on social media through videos, blogs, posts or updates, that did not explicitly promote a brand, but were deemed to “stimulate interest in products or services”.
ASA stated that it had a “common understanding” with the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) that all social media content published by licensed operators must comply with the standards and protections set by the UK Code of Non-broadcast Advertising and Direct & Promotional Marketing (the CAP Code).
As such, content created by licensed operators must ensure the protection of under-18s and other vulnerable groups from the potential harms associated with gambling.
Aware of the diverse range of content communications available to advertisers, ASA noted that it had a distinction in how it applies CAP rules to monitor content.
The guidance noted: “ASA regulates commercial communications in marketers’ own spaces online that are likely to have the effect of ‘selling something’; content that can reasonably be considered advertising.”
“For obvious reasons, it can’t regulate everything in the online space. One of the key exclusions – inspired in large part by the need to protect freedom of expression – is for editorial content.”
ASA warned that it considers the vast majority of content marketing to be “selling something,” therefore, requiring licensed operators to follow CAP Code gambling rules on under-18 protection and to ensure that content cannot appeal to youth culture.
Further CAP Code requirements applied to content marketing restrict under-25s from being featured in a gambling advertisement or prominent advertising role, as a new gambling advertising rule enforced by CAP.
ASA acknowledged that there is potential for some social media content to fall outside of its enforcement remit, in which it will consider complaints on a case-by-case basis.
In the limited scenarios where complaints about operators’ social media are deemed not to be within remit, the ASA will refer them to the Gambling Commission who will consider the content displayed within the boundaries of its Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice (LCCP) rules.
ASA concluded: “Ultimately, the message for operators is straight-forward – all consumer-facing social media activity must comply with the standards set out in the gambling section of the CAP Code.
“For consumers, this demonstrates ASA and the Gambling Commission’s continued commitment to work together to deliver joined-up and effective protections.”
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Eagerly anticipated release now confirmed following a highly successful exclusivity period with Rush Street Interactive
Play’n GO has today announced the official US release of its hit title Colt Lightning Firestorm, following a three-week period of exclusivity with Rush Street Interactive brands BetRivers and SugarHouse.
Colt Lightning Firestorm was released in Europe and other jurisdictions in May 2024, and its release in the US comes with much fanfare following the game’s rave reviews in its short exclusivity period. The game is a sequel to the wildly popular Colt Lightning game which was released early last year, and indications at this stage suggest that this sequel may prove even more successful.
This announcement sees Colt Lightning Firestorm available to players in each state and operator with whom Play’n GO is licensed. Play’n GO first entered the online casino market in the US in 2022, and has reiterated its commitment to becoming active in every regulated market around the world.
Magnus Olsson, Chief Commercial Officer at Play’n GO said: “We’re excited to unveil Colt Lightning Firestorm to the wider online casino gaming community in the US, and have been very pleased to see its strong performance during its exclusivity period with Rush Street Interactive. We had high hopes for the game following the success of its predecessor, and we’re confident that these robust results will continue now that the game is available to an even bigger audience.”
Esports entertainment company BLAST has announced plans to host two popular esports events in Singapore in 2024 and 2025.
BLAST will bring both world-class Counter-Strike and Dota 2 tournaments to the heart of Southeast Asia, marking a major step in Singapore’s emergence as an esports and gaming hub. Supported by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), these high-profile events will bring the world’s best esports teams and players from all across the world to compete in Singapore.
BLAST has teamed up with AEG Presents Asia, one of the world’s largest live entertainment entities to bring these events to Singapore. The partnership forms part of BLAST’s ambition to create the best esports experiences by working closely with premier destinations and the biggest and best live entertainment partners.
More than half of global esports views (57%) are estimated to come from the Asia Pacific region, 47% more than any other region in the world with the global market valued at $1.6 billion.
By bringing the top-tier Counter-Strike and Dota 2 tournaments to Singapore, BLAST aims
to attract global esports talent, foster local growth, and elevate Singapore’s status as a destination for world-class esports entertainment.
James Woollard, Director of Market Development at BLAST, said: “We are incredibly excited to bring two of the biggest esports titles to this vibrant destination. Over the coming 18 months, Singapore will become a major hub for esports in Southeast Asia, and with the support of the Singapore Tourism Board, we look forward to delivering unforgettable experiences for fans while helping to build a thriving esports ecosystem in the region. Bringing the first BLAST arena event to Singapore is an exciting first step in this journey. The World Final will see the world’s best Counter-Strike players and teams fighting for a $1,000,000 total prize pool.”
Ms Ong Ling Lee, Executive Director, Sports and Wellness, Singapore Tourism Board, said, “We are excited to host the BLAST Premier World Final and the BLAST Dota Slam in Singapore. The Counter-Strike event marks the first BLAST-branded event in Southeast Asia and the inaugural Counter-Strike tournament series in the region, solidifying Singapore’s position as a world-class esports destination. We are confident that the international participants and their legions of fans will have a memorable experience in Singapore, immersing themselves in the diverse and dynamic offerings of our city.”
The World Final 2024 will take place from 30th October – 3rd November and will be the first BLAST event to take place in Singapore, followed by the BLAST Dota Slam in 2025. The World Final will be the biggest Counter-Strike event to take place in Singapore, where the world’s best eight Counter-Strike teams will compete for a massive prize pool of $1,000,000 and the chance to claim bragging rights as the best team around.
Qualified World Final teams: NAVI, Team Spirit, Team Vitality, FaZe Clan and G2 Esports.
Fans can sign-up for the pre-sale window by registering with BLAST.tv, where they will also receive updates and information on tickets.
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