Michael Owen asked by ASA to delete gambling tweets

Famed soccer ace Michael Owen may have stepped on the wrong side of the British gambling laws, and particularly gambling advertising, by sharing the name of a non-UKGC regulated gambling website, The Athletic revealed in a new report.

The professional player and one of the most insightful analysts of the sport shared the name of a gambling company that currently does not hold a license from the UK Gambling Commission, which puts the endorsement at odds with existing laws in the country.

The Advertising Standards Authority had to reach out to Owen and ask him to comply with a request to delete the tweets, as it breached established gambling advertisement rules. The message focused on Punt Casino, which is operating under a Curacao license but does not have the corresponding UKGC permit. Punt Casino issued a statement to disassociate itself from any attempts to promote its brand in the regulated UK market.

Presently, the only entities that can advertise gambling products to the general public in the United Kingdom are companies that are licensed by the national regulator. Furthermore, there are rumors that the new White Paper that will lay out the regulatory framework of the gambling industry will demand from famous personalities to disassociate themselves with gambling brands.

This means that various personalities could no longer be able to be part of the marketing campaigns of gambling entities. This includes Owen, but also Tyson Fury’s father, and many other people who have become partners for various gambling companies in the UK. Punt Casino has quickly issued a statement to remedy the situation, demonstrating the brand’s commitment to upholding standards in regulated markets.

A spokesperson quickly explained that the casino was operating under the specific regulatory criteria set out by Curacao and it had not sought to breach any laws. "We do not target or promote our casino to customers of any countries and/or jurisdictions not allowed by such license," a statement by Punt Casino read.

Gambling advertisement remains an important part of the industry, and it has created value for professional sports teams. Presently, the Premier League has at least ten clubs which are associated with a gambling sponsor. Everton has just signed a new partnership with Stake.com, a company with a global reach that has been one of the most prominent names in sports gambling.

In the case of Owen, the athlete may have inadvertently shared the name. ASA’s quick reaction in the matter has demonstrated the regulator’s ability to keep consumers protected.

Image credit: Asa.org.uk