BetFred, one of the UK’s leading bookmakers, has recently received a rebuke from the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) following a tweet featuring heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua. The tweet, which was posted in April 2019, featured an image of Joshua with the caption “It’s time to get ready for the big fight. #BetFred”.

The ASA received a complaint from a member of the public who felt that the tweet was irresponsible and encouraged gambling. The complainant argued that the tweet was likely to be seen by children and young people, and that it could encourage them to gamble.

The ASA agreed with the complainant and ruled that the tweet was irresponsible and breached the UK Code of Non-broadcast Advertising, Sales Promotion and Direct Marketing. The ASA noted that the tweet was likely to be seen by children and young people, and that it could encourage them to gamble.

In response to the ruling, BetFred issued a statement saying that they take their responsibility to promote gambling responsibly very seriously. They also said that they had removed the tweet and were reviewing their processes to ensure that similar incidents do not occur in the future.

This incident highlights the importance of responsible gambling advertising. Companies must ensure that their advertising does not encourage gambling among vulnerable groups such as children and young people. It also serves as a reminder of the need for companies to review their processes to ensure that they are compliant with relevant regulations.

Overall, this ruling serves as an important reminder of the need for companies to take responsibility for their advertising and ensure that it is compliant with relevant regulations. Companies should also ensure that their advertising does not encourage gambling among vulnerable groups such as children and young people.