The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has banned affiliates from promoting Saturday’s Virtual Grand National race.
This restriction forms part of a 20-point marketing code for the event, which also prohibits paid advertising.
Licensed operators offering the event as a market will donate all of their earnings to the NHS.
Advertising to be restricted for the Virtual Grand National
In relation to advertising, the BGC’s code reads as follows:
“The virtual GN will not be promoted in any way via affiliates”.
Elsewhere, operators will not be allowed to advertise the event externally – including (but not limited to TV and the press. And while they can promote it on social media, this can only be done to organic followers.
While affiliates won’t be allowed to advertise the race, sportsbooks will be allowed to use banner advertising on their own websites. Moreover, they can promote the event to their existing customer base.
For the build-up, duration and aftermath of the Virtual GN, operators are obliged to spread the message of responsible gambling. Players will be limited to a maximum stake of £10 per horse.
The 10 points included in the BGC’s Covid-19 action plan will be applicable for Sunday’s meeting, too.
Providing the NHS a cash boost during tough times
All operators promoting the event will be obliged to include a way for players to donate to the NHS. This can be in the form of either a donation link or another means of communication.
BGC Chief Executive Michael Dugher has shared his thoughts on the initiative. Referring to the UK’s health service workers as “heroes”, he also said the following.
“I am delighted that our members have stepped up in this way to support the national effort to combat COVID-19 by contributing all of their race profits to NHS Charities Together.
“Millions of us love a flutter on the Grand National. For many, it’s the only time of the year they place a bet. This year, the big winner will be our NHS.”
The Virtual Grand National will be shown on ITV this Sunday at 5 p.m. GMT.
