‘Irresponsible’ Coral betting advert banned

An “irresponsible” advert for betting firm Coral featuring excited spectators at a horse race has been banned over the risk it could pressure those struggling with gambling addiction.

The TV ad, seen in March, showed stylised footage of a tightly contested horse race on a misty day, including close-up shots of spectators and a voiceover saying: “Exciting, isn’t it?”

LC International, trading as Coral, said it wanted to replicate pre-race anticipation. But the Advertising Standards Authority upheld complaints that the ad encouraged gambling behaviour that was socially irresponsible or could lead to financial, social or emotional harm.