ASA Criticises Prize Draw Promoters

In its December Monthly Report, the ASA pointed out that the industry will need to work hard to improve the image of prize draw promotions. This comes after various complaints from the public.

One promoter promised ‘a fabulous cash prize’ to those who revealed 21 on their scratch card. The promoter neglected to mention that every scratchcard would reveal 21 thus rendering the ‘prize’ a ‘gift’. On investigation the ‘fabulous cash prize’ was revealed to be 10p to each respondent. Another promoter mailed a cheque for £15,000 in the recipient’s name. It was worded in such a way that even though the word ‘SPECIMEN’ had been printed on the cheque it didn’t remove the impression that the recipient had actually won £15,000.

A complaint from McDonalds about Burger King’s ‘60% More Beef Than Them’ campaign was upheld because it was found to be misleading; and a promotion in the Daily Mirror which promised a ‘free bet’ was criticised because the offer required the purchase of another bet that cost at least £5.

ASA: 0171 580 5555