Online Casino PlayOJO cuts television adverts in Sweden
SkillOnNet-operated online gambling operator PlayOJO has announced that it is stopping almost half of its television adverts in Sweden. The reason for this is the online casino‘s attempt to reduce exposure to underage players. It is also pushing the rest of the brands to follow their example in order to make a change for the better.
Within the gambling industry, it is not a secret that there is a massive problem when it comes to children involved in gambling. Many countries in Europe face this problem, the UK in particular. In November 2018, empirical research evidence that 55000 children between the ages of 11-16 have an addiction to gambling. Although the numbers for online gambling are not that high we cannot deny the fact this is troublesome. Internet has infiltrated our lifestyle so much that it can be a danger to the young generation.
What will PlayOJO do to overcome the issue?
PlayOJO first entered the Swedish gambling market in 2018. According to Sifo, Swedish market research company, PlayOJO spent approximately $3.3 million or €2.9 million on advertising campaigns in the first quarter of the year. However, the operator will no longer give permission its television adverts to be broadcast between 4 pm and 9 pm local time. But what do these numbers tell us? All in all, this represents 21% of its overall TV advertising activity according to Dagens Media. Halting the television adverts will undoubtedly reduce exposure amongst youths. Less exposure, on the other hand, will mean less young people gambling online. Problem solved?! To do, even more, PlayOJO went live making use of the SkillOnNet licence earlier this year. Likewise, the team of the gambling operator is currently working to withdraw the ads. Obviously, an honourable idea by a respected gaming brand.
Anything else? The CEO of SkillOnNet, Costas Alexandrou, went on further. He wants to encourage other operators to follow PlayOJO's example and make a change for the better. ” As a responsible, licensed platform provider in Sweden, we aim to moderate our marketing and do everything we can to limit any potential exposure to underage players,” he said.
What will be the consequences of this novel act?
SkillOnNet chief executive urged that: ” if other casinos operators in Sweden really do care about responsible gambling, they too should review their advertising strategies and schedules and do everything they can to limit potential exposure to those under 18 years of age.” Regulators like ‘Spelinspektionen' has already started to look into companies spending a lot on advertising. Since the beginning of the year analysis have been made in order to maintain some kind of control within the sector. Hopefully, the practice will continue and changes will be made so as less young people to be involved.
A better future?
The question what will happen in the near future is as elusive as ever. New regulations? Blanket ban, maybe? No one knows for sure yet. All we currently know is that people have great awareness of the issue and that they do not want to be apathetic. PlayOJO is not the first online casino to implement this idea and hopefully, it will not be the last. This shows that the brand is concerned about its players and not only about incomes. By making such brave decisions, this significant problem can be dealt with easier and fingers crossed that this example will be followed by more gaming brands.
Finally, here you can get inside the brain of a gambling addict. Imagine the consequences for children!
The Best Casinos Now
First Deposit Bonus:
