Fluffy Animals Gambling ad Was Irresponsible, Says Watchdog Fluffy animals gambling ad was careless, states guard dog 28 October 2020 A gambling advert which included fluffy animals has been prohibited after being branded "reckless" by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA). The video advertisement for Gala Spins - part of the FTSE 100-listed betting giant GVC Holdings - featured five toy animals. The ASA ruled the ad "was most likely to be of specific interest under-18s" and therefore "the ad was careless". The owner of Gala Spins said it had gotten rid of the advert from all its channels. The paid-for Facebook post in August included a video caption reading "it's a rollercoaster of cuteness" and a video revealing "fluffy favourite" toy animals. It prompted a complaint to the marketing guard dog that the material of the advert was most likely to appeal to kids. The ASA concurred and stated: "Gambling advertisements must not be likely to be of particular attract children or young persons, especially by reflecting or being connected with youth culture. "We thought about that the advertisement was likely to be of particular appeal to under-18s and therefore concluded that the ad was careless and breached the [advertising] Code." Gambling addicts 'at greater danger during lockdown' Gala Spins stated it published the video featuring stuffed animals in mistake and that it was an obsolete video. It stated its intended target market was females aged between 18 and 65 interested in betting. Gala Spins was censured by the guard dog two years ago for linking gambling and skill in an advert. Among its TV ads included a male playing on his tablet with a voiceover suggesting: "Try it now and see if you have actually got the talent.