Gambling addicts who banned themselves from betting website were offered freebies at online casino
$5,000 Welcome Bonus
Sky Bet offered free spins to recovering gambling addicts who had banned themselves from the online bookmaker.
A message from its casino brand Sky Vegas, thought to have been sent to thousands of vulnerable ex-players, said they’d be given 100 spins in return for a £5 bet.
The Gambling Commission watchdog is investigating, with Sky Bet saying it will treat the matter ‘extremely seriously’.
It is a legal requirement for gambling companies to offer and safely administer self-exclusion schemes, which must also block marketing messages sent by phone or email. Part of a Sky Vegas advertisement is pictured above
The advert prompted a wave of anger among campaigners and MPs, who said the promotional material could trigger relapses.
The incident is especially embarrassing for Sky Bet’s owner Flutter, as it took place during Safer Gambling Week.
Sky Bet said: ‘We sincerely apologise to those who have mistakenly received Sky Vegas promotional communications and for the distress this may have caused.’
It is a legal requirement for gambling companies to offer and safely administer self-exclusion schemes, which must also block marketing messages sent by phone or email.
The subject line of email, seen by the Mail, read: ‘Take a peek at what your mystery bonus is.’
It continued: ‘Here at Sky Vegas, we love the unexpected. That’s right. Simply opt in, spend £5 and claim your 100 free spins. The best part? Whatever you win is yours to keep - that’s the fun in fair!’
It came as the Government finalises proposed changes to the Gambling Act, in what promises to be the biggest shake-up of the laws governing the industry in 15 years.
Sky Bet said: ‘We sincerely apologise to those who have mistakenly received Sky Vegas promotional communications and for the distress this may have caused.’
Several MPs have demanded that ministers ban gambling advertising outright.
Recovering addicts, who received the message from Sky Bet after self-excluding, said it could put them at risk of relapse.
James Grimes, an addict turned campaigner, said: ‘It’s a direct threat to my recovery. We need these systems in place to protect people, if not what’s the point. Self-regulation has failed.
‘Inevitably gambling companies are using data not to prevent harm but to further profits.’ Father-of-two Chris Gilham, 39, another recovering addict, received the email after banning himself from Sky Bet brands over four years ago.
He said: ‘It just makes me feel disappointed and let down. That is a trigger, and that could lead to someone gambling, and ultimately taking their lives.’
