Since the rules were relaxed we have been inundated with TV ads from sports betting companies.
It’s a hugely competitive industry and each is striving for that little bit of differentiation, a reason for us to throw our money their way.
It’s interesting to me how some of the campaigns focus on providing that differentiation through a product offering, some through a focus on building a brand personality and some through a focus on the owner as the figurehead.
As a punter and sports fan, here is my short summary of what I take away from each of the campaigns:
Ladbrokes
They’re passionate. Look, it’s Chris Kamara and Ian Wright doing passionate funny dances and shouting.
BetFred
They have load of bonuses and an owner called Fred.
VictorChandler
They have an owner called Victor.
Paddy Power
It’ll be a laugh to bet with them (and it’s always nice to have a chuckle with someone who is taking your money from you). And I can lose my money chucklesomely on a variety of mobile devices. Lovely.
Bet365
This is the place to go for in-play betting.
(sub-note, the half time ads with the latest live odds are my favourite TV ad innovation of the last few years and I don’t think Bet365 have had enough credit for it)
BetFair
Get the best odds because you are betting against other punters and you may (but probably won’t) be cleverer than them.
William Hill
Their name contains the word “Will”.
I agree with you on Bet365 – and also the use of Ray Winstone.
I am forced to bet with them for fear of Ray slamming a sock full of pool balls in my Chevy Chase!
As a sidenote, my five-year-old thought the Paddy Power cat-kicking ad was hilarious.