Internet and TV are abundant with commercials that people interpret in one way or another. That was the case with one that was made for Gala TV-launched and blacklisted portal, Gala Bingo, that made an insinuation that gambling could relieve depression.
What Does It Say Precisely?
It indirectly suggests that gambling is a sort of an escape for anyone who is dealing with mental issues, such as depression, anxiety and similar mental conditions. Furthermore, it claims that it can help a man get rid of his debts or medical bills.
This ad was seen on the 365dailynews portal and it looked like an article with this headline: “On their wedding night he delivered a secret she wasn't ready for. The result will have you in tears.”
The Story Behind The Advert:
It talks about a man named, William, who had a huge debt, approximately more than £130,000. He was even forced to sell the house in order to pay the treatments and medications for his ill wife.
Furthermore, he then “accidentally” runs into an ad for online bingo while on his Facebook profile, updating people about the condition of his wife.
The ad then said:
“With little to no money to spend he admits he laughed and almost scrolled past it until he saw they were offering a promotion to that would reward him with 200 free chances at the Jackpot Giant game which at over £700,000.00 was too hard to pass up.”
The Hidden Message:
Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) along with complainant are quite skeptical about this entire thing. They doubt that this advert is actually suggesting that gambling is the perfect solutions for those people who are experiencing any type of either mental or financial issue.
On the other hand, Gala Interactive said that the dealership they had with a certain affiliate who designed this was terminated and that they have eliminated the ad. Furthermore, the Advertising Standards Authority thought that this ad seemed like a news article that talks about the sad story of this man.
Final words by ASA: “Because we considered that the ad suggested gambling could provide an escape from personal problems such as depression and that it could be a solution to financial concerns, we considered it to be socially irresponsible and was therefore in breach of the code.”
Source: “Gala Bingo Advert Banned For Suggesting Gambling Can Ease Depression” https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/gala-bingo-advert-banned-gambling-depression-ease-a7980621.html. Independent. December 7, 2018.
Comment: Honestly, this is too suspicious if you ask me. I wouldn’t trust them either! Fortunately, it’s not visible anymore.
