The BBC reported Friday that three celebrities by the reality television series Geordie Shore are being researched by UK advertising watchdog the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) on suspicion of marketing gambling sites on their social media accounts without creating their affiliation with gambling firms clear.
Gary Beadle, Scott Timlin and Aaron Chalmers happen to be termed amid allegations they have not disclosed their social media articles are adverts. The trio have not yet commented about the accusation.
The BBC report notes that the trio have a joint 15.3 million followers on several social networking sites, and that it’s alleged that their articles advertise gambling odds online sports fittings and encourage followers to connect to betting sites Coral and Ladbrokes.
The Ladbrokes Coral gambling group has verified that the men are affiliates marketers that are paid commissions when users register up to a betting account through their social media sites.
Stars are allowed to post on social media for companies, but have to make clear it’s an advertising, and subject to strict rules regarding gambling advertisements.
The ASA told BBC Radio 5 live it was investigating and could be contacting the brands and advertisers behind the supplies that the three’ve posted about.
Protecting young and vulnerable people from inappropriately targeted or reckless gambling advertisements is a priority. ”
The ASA also verified Beadle had been warned about similar social media posting behaviour before, and had agreed to create adverts apparent in future.
Ladbrokes Coral stated: “Ladbrokes Coral has what is a very standard affiliate connection with these celebrities, and that’s compliant with all the ASA and CAP [Committees of Advertising Practice] principles governing this activity. ”
