Bulletin

April 2021  #130

First case to breach Section 2.1 of the Wagering Code

A cartoon-styled television ad with two variations is the first case to breach Section 2.1 of the AANA Wagering Advertising Code which prohibits advertising content for a wagering product being primarily directed to minors.

The Ad Standards Community Panel considered that the style of animation, which is also common in many video games such as Fortnite, would have strong appeal to younger audiences and upheld the complaints. The advertiser has voluntarily removed the advertisements.

Taking a gamble

Another case in April raised similar concerns about a TVC for a wagering product targeting children,  this time featuring actor Mark Wahlberg riding a red missile into space.

The Community Panel considered the entire advertisement was highly exaggerated and while the imagery of a rocket and special effects used may be appealing to children, they are not primarily directed to them, and found the ad did not breach Section 2.1 of the Wagering Code

The  complaints were also considered under the AANA Code of Ethics and also found to not breach any provisions of that Code.

Putting a spin on wagering ads

The case of a television ad for a wagering app showing  cups being carried by a man doing ‘rhythmic spillnastics’ with Olympic-style commentary which raised concerns about the consumption of alcohol was dismissed by the Community Panel.

The Panel considered that while the ad uses language associated with alcohol such as ‘extra hops’ and ‘pint pirouette’ and depicts a man dancing with a tray of drinks, it did not breach Section 2.4 of the Wagering Code as there is no actual consumption of alcohol.

You can find all Ad Standards Community Panel determinations on the website at AdStandards.com.au/cases

Tribute to a founding member

It is with great sadness that we learned of the death of Mr John Konrads, a founding member of the Ad Standards Community Panel.

John was a member of the Advertising Standards Board, as it was then known, from its very early days in 1998 until 2008. Alongside other noted Australians including Tom Keneally AO, Mary Kostakidis, Geoff Lawson OAM, Catharine Lumby and Margaret Pomeranz,  John spent many years as part of the panel of community representatives responsible for determining whether advertising in Australia met the standards set by the Australian advertising self-regulation system.

John is remembered as a valued member of the Panel. He brought a wealth of lived experiences as a young migrant to rural Australia, an Olympic medal winning swimmer, and an active member of the community. John also contributed much to the Panel with his own experiences working with the Black Dog Institute. His cheeky personality and memorable smile were important parts of the early Ad Standards Board.

Ad Standards sends condolences and thanks to John’s family for his important contribution to Ad Standards and the Australian community.