Bonus and VIP programs of various online poker and gambling sites often have a tendency to proclaim the offers available as too good to pass up. However, the Rational Group felt that 888 Holdings went a bit too far in a recent ad campaign and took the issue up with the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA).
888 displayed several banners on its casino website touting that it offered the “best VIP promotions anywhere,” the “best VIP program around,” and even the “best benefits, bonuses, promotions and exclusive event offers anywhere online.” The parent company of PokerStars and Full Tilt took offense at 888's bold proclamations and persuaded the ASA to force the removal of said banners, eGR reported.
In siding with PokerStars, who has in the past been cited as one of the "best workplaces" in the UK and Isle of Man, the ASA ruled that the statements put forth by 888 were "misleading." The regulating body on advertising found that 888 was not able to make such claims without comparing their bonuses and promotions with their competitors and finding the proclamations to be true.
888 admitted that it had not done a comparative study, but argued that many gaming companies, including PokerStars, made somewhat similar claims and that consumers were aware that such marketing strategies should not always be taken literally. The ASA was not swayed and warned 888 to tread lightly when making such "best" claims henceforth.
