Paddy Power Advert Banned: ASA Ruling on Family and Repeat Gambling

On 15 June 2022, the Advertising Standards Authority upheld complaints about Paddy Power’s Wonder Wheel television and video-on-demand adverts. This is a historical advertising ruling, not a report of a new enforcement action.

What did the advert show?

The advert featured a young man using a gambling game on his phone while visiting his partner’s family. It combined an awkward remark in the family conversation with messaging about another opportunity to play.

Why were the complaints upheld?

The ASA concluded that the scene portrayed gambling as taking priority over family. It also upheld concerns about messaging that encouraged repeated participation. The ruling addressed how the overall advert could be understood, rather than judging the scene solely as a joke.

What was the outcome?

The ASA required the adverts not to appear again in the form complained about. Read the full ASA ruling dated 15 June 2022 for the complaints, advertiser responses, assessment and action.

Putting the ruling in context

Advertising restrictions and an operator’s licence are separate matters. A ruling on an advert does not itself establish that a gambling product has been withdrawn or that an operator has lost its licence. Check the original decision rather than inferring a wider outcome from a headline.

Promotional language should not be treated as advice to keep gambling after a loss. A free chance to play can still draw attention toward gambling, and a previous losing result does not make a later random result more likely to win. Take a break if playing interferes with time, relationships or your spending limits.

For related information, read our UK gambling regulation guide and safer gambling guidance. The ASA’s gambling advertising guidance provides further context on advertising rules.