A Pokerstars ad blocked in England for incitement to dangerous gambling

PokerStars is one of the most popular online poker platforms in the world, with millions of players and tournaments. However, not everyone can access PokerStars legally, as the site is blocked in many countries due to gambling regulations or restrictions. In some cases, even the advertisements for PokerStars are banned for violating the rules related to responsible gambling.

The case of the UK

One such example happened in the United Kingdom, where the Advertising Standards Agency (ASA), the watchdog for advertising ethics and standards, ordered PokerStars to stop showing one of its TV ads in 2018. The ad was deemed to exploit inexperienced poker players by suggesting that they could easily bluff their way to win big money, and to portray gambling in the context of recklessness and risk-taking.

The ad featured a voice-over narration that gave advice to a player holding a weak hand (83 offsuit) in a home game. The narrator said:

Here you are, the moment when bluffing is the only way to win, you’re freaking out kiddo, but think about all those times you bluffed yourself. Like the pull-up bar waiting for you to get back in-shape, that book you’re definitely going to read, your parents never ever had sex. Use that talent because if you can bluff yourself, you can bluff anyone.

The final shot of the ad showed the player pushing all of his chips into the middle, and then the narrator continued:

PokerStars, you’re already a great poker player.

The ASA received a complaint from a viewer who challenged whether the ad exploited inexperienced poker players by implying that they could easily excel at the game and make large winnings, and whether it portrayed gambling in the context of recklessness.

PokerStars’ defense

PokerStars defended its ad by claiming that it did not encourage irresponsible gambling behavior, and that it was not clear if the chips being used actually represented money. The company argued that the ad was “very different in content, tone and style to an ad which suggested consumers could win lots of money.”

PokerStars also contended that bluffing was an integral skill in poker and was performed after making careful calculations. The company stated that “bluffing was not a reckless act in itself.”

The ASA’s decision

However, the ASA did not accept PokerStars’ arguments and ruled against the company on both counts. The agency found that viewers could be confused by the comparison made between “bluffing” in non-poker activities and bluffing at the table:

…the ad would be interpreted by viewers to mean that they could make large winnings by making big ‘all in’ bluffs based solely on their experience of bluffing in real life without any experience of playing poker.

The agency also concluded that the ad “portrayed gambling behaviour in the context of recklessness and in a manner that could lead to financial harm.”

The ASA ordered PokerStars to stop showing the ad and to ensure that future ads did not exploit inexperienced players or portray gambling as reckless or risk-free.

Conclusion

The case of PokerStars’ ad being blocked in England illustrates how online gambling platforms have to comply with strict regulations and ethical standards when advertising their services. While PokerStars may have intended to showcase its brand and appeal to potential customers, it ended up violating the rules related to responsible gambling and misleading consumers. The ASA’s decision serves as a reminder that gambling ads have to be truthful, fair and socially responsible.

FAQ

Q: Why was PokerStars’ ad blocked in England?

A: PokerStars’ ad was blocked by the Advertising Standards Agency (ASA), which is the watchdog for advertising ethics and standards in the UK. The ASA ruled that the ad exploited inexperienced poker players by suggesting that they could easily bluff their way to win big money, and portrayed gambling in the context of recklessness and risk-taking.

Q: What was PokerStars’ defense?

A: PokerStars defended its ad by claiming that it did not encourage irresponsible gambling behavior, and that it was not clear if the chips being used actually represented money. The company also argued that bluffing was an integral skill in poker and was performed after making careful calculations.

Q: What was the ASA’s decision?

A: The ASA did not accept PokerStars’ arguments and ordered the company to stop showing the ad and to ensure that future ads did not exploit inexperienced players or portray gambling as reckless or risk-free.

Q: What are some of the rules related to responsible gambling?

A: Some of the rules related to responsible gambling are:

• Gambling ads should not suggest that gambling can provide an escape from personal or professional problems, or that it can enhance personal qualities or abilities.
• Gambling ads should not suggest that gambling can be a solution to financial difficulties, or that it can guarantee success or security.
• Gambling ads should not exploit the susceptibilities, aspirations, credulity, inexperience or lack of knowledge of consumers, especially children or young people.
• Gambling ads should not link gambling to seduction, sexual success or enhanced attractiveness.
• Gambling ads should not portray gambling as a form of social acceptance, belonging or identity.
• Gambling ads should not portray gambling as a normal, everyday or harmless activity, or trivialize the potential consequences of excessive or irresponsible gambling.