World Cup gambling ads that used mind tricks

ACADEMICS are calling for a ban on some types of TV gambling ads after it emerged a flood of commercials shown around the World Cup used controversial psychological tricks.

Experts at the University of Warwick said the hard-sell language and tactics used by the gambling companies created the impression that viewers should rush to have a bet.

They were particularly concerned by so-called ‘live odds’ betting offers, which give people the impression they only have a short time to take advantage of them.

The ads appeared to contravene the spirit of Advertising Standards Authority guidance.

The research report entitled ‘Impulsiveness and urgency: Gambling advertising and the 2018 soccer World Cup’ was written by Dr Philip Newall, Mr Ankush Thobhani, Dr Lukasz Walasek and Professor Caroline Meyer. Dr Newall said: ‘There may be good reason to ban all live-odds betting adverts.’

The Remote Gambling Association, which covers online betting firms, said it would act if the ASA reacted to the report.