Paddy Power could face ASA action; IAGR appoint new board members; Veikkaus Oy sees online growth

paddy power transgender adIrish-bookmaker Paddy Power could be in hot water following an advertising campaign that aired over the weekend. Groups are alleging it amounts to transphobia and have criticized the firm’s ad that is aimed at promoting their product ahead of next month’s Cheltenham Festival. The advert is designed to support ladies day and invites viewers to spot the “transgendered ladies” among fans at Cheltenham. It promises to make the day “even more exciting by adding some beautiful transgendered ladies: Spot the stallions from the mares.”

It has angered some with LGBT Lib Dems Northern Ireland saying that it brought “shame on itself” and that it was in poor tastes, adding: “To use the subject of transgender in such a degrading and mocking way is a clear-cut case of transphobia.”

It was shown a number of times on Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday programme and there are some reports it will be investigated by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA). This has yet to be confirmed by the ASA and Paddy have yet to comment.

See what you think…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=1XZ5MOB3nww

The International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR) has confirmed Dr Joseph F. Borg as the newest member of their board. The chief regulatory officer at Malta’s Lotteries and Gaming Authority (LGA) joined the board late last month on the same day that Dale Fuga, Chief Operating Officer, Manitoba Gaming Control Commission was installed. Reuben Portanier, LGA CEO, said that “having Dr Borg elected on the IAGR board by gaming regulators from around the world is a recognition of LGA’s global reputational standing, and a manifestation of trust in Dr Borg. I am sure he will be the region’s voice within one of the most influential international regulatory fora and shall be an ambassador of the Maltese online gaming regulatory model and approach.”

Finnish lottery provider Veikkaus Oy had strong growth in its online gaming site to thank for increased turnover. For the year ending December 31st 2011 the figure was up 6% to €1,792.7million and strong growth means online now accounts for over 30% of the company’s turnover.