A recent Foxy Games ad has been deemed ‘irresponsible’ by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA). This Google search ad received complaints back in July 2020, challenging whether it was responsible in the way that it had been worded.
The Foxy Games Ad
The ASA concerns originally arose from complaints received regarding a paid Google search ad. This ad stated: ‘Earn Money Online – Foxy Games – Play Online’. The ad was displayed on Google search results when the keyword ‘make money online’ was entered.
Those behind the complaint suggested that the ad would lead players to believe that they could achieve financial security and make money by playing these games. However, this is not something that is accepted under ASA guidelines.
In response to the complaint, Foxy Games said that the ad was a “result of human error”. They stated that they had removed it but this wasn’t quick enough.
ASA Decision – ‘Irresponsible’
After an investigation, the ASA has deemed the ad “irresponsible”. They stated: “The CAP Code stated that advertisers must not suggest that gambling can be a solution to financial concerns, an alternative to employment or a way to achieve financial security. We considered the claim ‘Earn Money Online’ suggested to consumers that the gambling system offered by the advertiser could be used to ‘earn’ money and therefore attain a regular source of income.”
Despite acknowledging that Foxy Games had taken steps to address where their ads were served, they concluded that it was socially irresponsible.
This isn’t the first time that the ASA has dealt with this kind of complaint and as restrictions continue to tighten, we expect to see more over the coming months.
