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The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has upheld a ruling against Festival Free Bets related to a post featuring social media influencer Astrid Wett.
The complainant challenged whether the advert breached gambling advertising rules, because it featured Wett, who was under 25 years old at the time of the post, seen on 12 March 2024.
CAP Code states that an individual who was or seemed to be under 25 years old could not play a significant role in marketing communications for gambling services, apart from where a bet could be placed directly through a transactional facility. At the time of the advert, Wett was 23.
On Wett’s X (formerly Twitter) page, the post featured her at Cheltenham racecourse promoting Festival Free Bets.
While Festival Free Bets did not respond to the ASA’s enquiries, Astrid Wett apologised for her breach of the code, saying she was committed to keeping within relevant guidelines. She underlined that she was unaware of the age restrictions for adverts for gambling services seen in the CAP Code, assuming that being over 18 years old was sufficient.
The ASA has shown concern at the lack of response from Festival Free Bets and considers its action to be irresponsible.
Festival Free Bets has been told that it must not feature individuals who were or seemed to be under the age of 25 playing a significant role in marketing communications.
Last week, the ASA also upheld a ruling against ProgressPlay in relation to a promotional offer seen on the Jeffbet website.
