888, a major gambling company, stops advertising on London's transport network.
Famous gambling corporation 888 has declared that it will take down specific advertising posters from the London transportation system. This decision includes ads on vehicles and those posted in London's Underground. The move is a result of a political disagreement regarding acceptable advertising measures in London.
888 to Alter its Marketing Strategies
888, a notorious gaming company, has confirmed to the British newspaper The Guardian that they plan to eliminate certain ads from the London transportation network. This involves their current ad campaign showcased on Underground cabins, as an example.
Professor Henrietta Bowden-Jones, 60, a renowned addiction expert in the UK, recorded and shared an image of an 888 advertisement poster with the caption:
No, it's not a casino, it's a London Underground carriage. I took the photo. A child in school uniform was sitting beneath the gambling ad.
- Henrietta Bowden-Jones (@HBowdenJonesOBE) April 23, 2024
This advertisement features the words "This carriage is now a casino" and "Fancy a spin?". A representative from 888 commented, suggesting that part of the current ad campaign will halt:
"We always consider feedback on the effectiveness of our advertising campaigns and acknowledge that, although we fully comply with all advertising regulations and standards, our recent campaign could be misconstrued differently to the brand position we're aiming for."- 888 Spokesperson, The Guardian
The Guardian highlights that there are ongoing efforts in over 80 UK council areas to limit gambling ads. Additionally, London is currently discussing potential limitations on these ads.
Political Dispute and Upcoming Elections
The decision by 888 to cease select ads in London is believed to be due to an ongoing political dispute. London will hold a mayoral election on May 3.
Sadiq Khan, a 53-year-old Labour party member and the current mayor, has been accused of not doing enough to combat hazardous gambling ads. He had previously vowed to restrain gambling advertisements. In 2021, he addressed London's public transport organizations in favor of this initiative, yet these endeavors were unsuccessful.
As a result, he faced backlash when citizens demanded a ban on gambling ads on public transport last year. He was ridiculed for not upholding his campaign pledge. His rival, Susan Hall, 69, of the Conservative Party, recently criticized him for his inactivity. She cited the findings of numerous physicians and experts, linking gambling advertisements to problem gambling.
Implications for 888
The 888 gaming conglomerate appears to be in the midst of change. The company's 2023 yearly report documented a 25% decline in operating business, incurring a net loss of GBP 56.4 million (approximately EUR 66.05 million). In response, 888 is organizing a realignment.
The company has had a new CEO since October 2023, and a new concept is being developed, with even a new name, Evoke, purportedly on the table. The decision to halt the existing ad campaign in London, following public criticism, could hint at the start of restructuring efforts. This move may also signify potential harm to 888's image.
Uncertain Line Administered by Khan
Sadiq Khan confronts the allegation of having an unclear stance on advertising. Throughout his tenure, he has either granted or tolerated gambling and sports betting marketing efforts. Conversely, he has banned less critical ad campaigns like "Artisan Cheese" or "strawberries and cream," often associated with Wimbledon. Hall stated in relation to this issue:
"Sadiq Khan's inconsistency in the advertising he allows and the advertising he bans is perplexing for Londoners. He bans advertising with cheese or strawberries and cream, while completely at ease with vaping and gambling? We need a rational and clear approach, not one that permits the mayor to play favorites." - Susan Hall, Candidate for Mayor of London, The Guardian.
Sadiq Khan has declared that he will reanalyze the situation if he is reelected. He has hired an independent reviewer and will consider their findings before taking action if he wins re-election.
It remains uncertain who will emerge victorious in the London mayoral election and what their strategy will be concerning gambling advertisements.
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Source: www.onlinecasinosdeutschland.com
