Compliance Updates

ASA Bans Ladbrokes Ad for Showing Socially Irresponsible Gambling Behaviour

Published

4 years ago

July 9, 2021

Reading Time: 2 minutes

The UK advertising watchdog Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has banned a TV ad of Ladbrokes for depicting socially irresponsible gambling behaviour.

The ad, seen in April, began with a voiceover that stated: “I’m a nodder: up to the football, down to the app like a dog on a dashboard.”

The next scene showed a man at a train station who appeared to be using the Ladbrokes app on his phone, and an accompanying voiceover that said: “When I bet, I’m a frustrated manager. I kick every ball,” while a third scene showed three men jumping and screaming after a goal was scored and then tense and nervous as it was reviewed by the VAR (video assistant referee).

A complainant, who believed that the ad portrayed people who appeared to be addicted to gambling, challenged whether the ad depicted behaviour that was socially irresponsible.

“We considered that mood swings related to gambling was a problem gambling behaviour” ASA said.

Ladbrokes said none of the scenes depicted behaviour that guidance highlighted as indicators of problem gambling.

It also said the ad did not suggest solitary gambling was preferable to social gambling, depict gambling in the workplace, or suggest that it was an escape from problems or a solution to financial concerns.

The Advertising Standards Authority said the man in the first scene appeared to be continually placing bets rather than being focused on the game itself and as such appeared to have a preoccupation with his betting, while the second scene depicted a man who appeared to be detached from his surroundings and who had a preoccupation with gambling.

The voiceover that accompanied the third scene stated: “If I’ve got an acca (accumulator) coming in, I find myself getting very excited,” and the ASA said it considered viewers would interpret this to mean that the men’s excitement was coming from potentially winning an accumulator, rather than the football.

The ASA added: “We considered that mood swings related to gambling was a problem gambling behaviour. Because the ad appeared to depict a major mood swing and directly related it to the tension of potentially winning an accumulator, rather than just watching sports, we considered that the ad depicted problem gambling behaviour.

“For those reasons, we concluded that the ad depicted gambling behaviour that was socially irresponsible, and therefore breached the code.”

The ASA told Ladbrokes “to ensure future ads did not depict gambling behaviour that was socially irresponsible, including problem gambling behaviour such as detachment from surroundings, mood swings, and preoccupation with gambling”.

Asensi Technologies

Asensi Technologies Obtains Accreditation as an Online Gaming Laboratory in Malta

Published

4 hours ago

November 13, 2025

George Miller

asensi-technologies-obtains-accreditation-as-an-online-gaming-laboratory-in-malta

Reading Time: 2 minutes

The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has officially recognized Asensi Technologies as a System and Compliance Audit Service Provider, thereby granting the company authorization to conduct technical audits (System Audits) and regulatory compliance reviews (Compliance Audits) on online gaming systems operating under Maltese jurisdiction.

Following a rigorous accreditation process, Asensi Technologies expands its international presence and demonstrates its ability to meet the demands of a sector that is constantly growing and evolving.

“Malta, one of the leading international hubs for the online gaming industry, represents a strategic step in the company’s global expansion,” states Teté Asensi, CEO of the company.

“This recognition is particularly gratifying as it strengthens our position as a specialized laboratory for the evaluation and certification of online gaming systems in a key market such as Malta, and reflects further confidence in our work,” she adds.

Since its accreditation in 2017 by the Dirección General de Ordenación del Juego (DGOJ) as an authorized laboratory in Spain, Asensi Technologies has maintained a strong commitment to technical excellence and regulatory compliance, earning recognition on numerous occasions as one of the best service providers in the sector within the country.

Over the past year, the company has embarked on an international expansion process, achieving official accreditation from MINCETUR to operate in Peru, recognition from the Kahnawake Gaming Commission in Kahnawake, and now this milestone in Malta, where it expects to replicate the positive results already recorded in the three jurisdictions where it currently operates.

CEO Teté Asensi highlights the significance of obtaining these accreditations and international recognition for a company like Asensi Technologies: “We are extremely proud of this new achievement. We are a boutique laboratory undergoing rapid expansion thanks to a highly qualified and committed team capable of offering a close and personalized approach to our clients, accompanying them throughout their processes with tailored solutions that meet their needs. This milestone reflects and acknowledges all our effort and dedication,” she concludes.

The post Asensi Technologies Obtains Accreditation as an Online Gaming Laboratory in Malta appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Australia

SkyCity Announces Renewal of Queenstown Casino Licence

Published

1 day ago

November 12, 2025

Niji Narayan

skycity-announces-renewal-of-queenstown-casino-licence

Reading Time: < 1 minute

SkyCity Entertainment Group Limited confirmed that the New Zealand Gambling Commission has granted SkyCity Queenstown Limited with a renewal of its casino venue licence for a further 15 years from 7 December 2025, pursuant to section 134 of the Gambling Act 2003.

SkyCity Chief Executive Officer, Jason Walbridge, said: “We’re delighted with this outcome. We look forward to continuing to play our part in Queenstown’s fantastic range of entertainment for both locals and visitors.”

The post SkyCity Announces Renewal of Queenstown Casino Licence appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Betsson Group

Betsson Group Shortlisted at the Global Regulatory Awards 2025

Published

2 days ago

November 11, 2025

Niji Narayan

betsson-group-shortlisted-at-the-global-regulatory-awards-2025

Reading Time: < 1 minute

Betsson Group has been shortlisted for “Legal Team of the Year” at the upcoming Global Regulatory Awards 2025 (GRAs), while its General Counsel, Corinne Valletta, has been nominated for “Chief Compliance Officer of the Year.”

Organised by Vixio Regulatory Intelligence, the Global Regulatory Awards celebrate excellence across the compliance and responsible gambling sectors, recognising individuals and teams who continuously raise industry standards and champion best practices.

These accolades testify to Betsson’s commitment to raising standards in compliance to ensure a safe and stable business.

The post Betsson Group Shortlisted at the Global Regulatory Awards 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.