Particle.news
Download on the App Store

UK Watchdog Bans Gambling Ads Featuring Lewis Hamilton and Chelsea FC Imagery

Evidence of youth appeal in social-media data drove the decision.

Overview

  • The Advertising Standards Authority banned promotions by Kwiff and Betway under rules barring gambling ads likely to strongly appeal to under‑18s.
  • The Kwiff post featuring Sir Lewis Hamilton was ruled irresponsible after the regulator cited roughly 150,000 UK Instagram followers aged under 18 as evidence of strong youth appeal.
  • Betway’s YouTube video was prohibited because Chelsea FC logos were integrated into a stadium fan experience, which the ASA said would resonate strongly with young football followers.
  • The regulator said a standalone club logo might be permissible, but its use on fans’ scarves, shirts and venue backdrops exceeded the code’s limited exemption for identifying content.
  • Kwiff said it has removed content featuring mainstream sportspeople, while Betway argued its sponsorship rights allow logo use and warned the ruling could set a harmful precedent as it pledged compliance.