The online betting arm of UK gambling operator Gala Coral Group have become the latest firm to ink a betting partnership with a Premier League football team. Coral Interactive has inked a two-year deal with Everton FC that will see the online operator serve as the club’s Official European Betting Partner. Coral Interactive commercial director Matt Prevost claimed to be “delighted” over this “exciting” relationship. Everton marketing and communications director Richard Kenyon logrolled right back, claiming to be equally delighted at being associated with such a “renowned and respected betting brand.”
With the opening weekend of yet another Barclays Premier League campaign now just hours away, Coral have rolled out their new television ad campaign. The spots feature impressionist Darren Farley and model/UFC ring girl Carly Baker (pictured, not holding an Everton jersey) working in a chip van outside a stadium, using their respective talents to hold the attention of a couple of punters who either fancy something to eat or the best available wagering opportunities. Baker is a Coral ad veteran, having featured prominently in an ad subsequently banned by the UK”s Advertising Standards Authority for linking gambling with seduction.
Coral’s OTC marketing head Jack Chapman told The Drum the ad has “comedy appeal but most importantly is a vehicle to promote our hero offers.” The ads, variations of which are visible below, were the product of Big Al’s Creative Emporium and will run throughout August across press, in-store and mobile, with the first appearance set for BT Sport ahead of the Manchester United v. Swansea match. The ads will also appear on ESPN, Sky Sports and Sky Sports News.
