A UK regulator has ruled that Mecca Bingo made a mistake in one of its advertisements, which suggested that gambling could boost self-esteem. [Image: Shutterstock.com]
An advertisement published by Mecca Bingo suggests that gambling can be used as a way to boost a person’s self-esteem.
Unsurprisingly, the company has faced criticism following a complaint about its Instagram ad, which was posted in August. The ad in question showed two pictures of famous drag queen Baja Chipz.
Don’t you love that post-bingo glow?
One photo showed Chipz in plain clothes and no makeup while the other showed Chipz wearing a red sequined outfit with jewelry and makeup. To complete the ad, there is a caption that says: “A good game can change you! Don’t you love that glow after bingo?”
The UK Advertising Standards Agency (ASA) received complaints from viewers who thought the ad suggested that gambling could boost a person’s image and self-esteem if they gambled. The ASA upheld the complaints, maintaining that it had given that impression based on the contradictory images of Chipz.
Mecca Bingo responded, claiming that the “post-bingo glow” was intended to refer to the feeling one gets after a night of playing bingo and was meant to highlight the “positive” experience the company aims to provide.
