The 10 Most Unforgettable Gambling Ads of All Time

We love an over-the-top gambling commercial. These ads are like mini-movies, carefully crafted to entertain and grab your attention. Casinos are some of the most creative in advertising their products, and their ads often leave you laughing or with food for thought.

With the rise of the internet, these commercials have become even more prevalent. Whether it’s sports betting or the best selection of UK online casinos, they’re everywhere you look.

In this sea of gambling commercials, there are some that stand out as truly memorable. Let’s dive into the top 10 gambling ads that have stayed with us long after they first aired on our televisions.

1. “Request A Bet” by Sky Bet (2018)

Sky Bet's 2018 TV ad introduced a new feature called RequestABet, where users can create customised bets and share them with friends. The ad really emphasised the social aspect of sports betting. It showed how fans could place bets and share them on their mobile phones during a match, creating an awesome betting experience.

The tagline “DO IT YOUR WAY” stuck, and it showed that betting can be a personal experience while also sharing the fun with friends.

2. “The Hunch” by Betway (2018)

We’ve all been there - you need place a bet on your favourite team and you simply have a hunch on how the game is going to go. Betway's 2018 ad had real cinematic flair, featuring a man using his supernatural abilities to predict game outcomes and win bets on Betway. The ad showed that sometimes you need to follow your hunch (and bet with Betway) instead of following the crowd and what they deem to be the right choice.

3. “Beat the Boss” by BGO (2017)

For a stint in the mid-2010s, Verne Troyer (best known for his role of Mini Me) appeared in a number of BGO ads. They were funny and informative.

The casino’s 2017 ad featured Dan Bilzerian and Verne Troyer as they teamed up to take on the boss of BGO in various challenges. The ad was all about the excitement and rewards of online betting, as well as the wide variety of games available on BGO's platform.

4. “It's Time to Play” by 888 Casino (2019)

888 Casino's 2019 ad was a high-energy showcase of their games, featuring quick cuts between slots, poker, and live dealer roulette. The ad showed just how accessible and convenient online gambling at 888 Casino can be.

5. “It's Who You Play With” by William Hill (2016)

William Hill's 2016 ad was all about the social aspect of sports betting, showing friends coming together to enjoy a football match and place bets. The ad wasn’t mind-blowing, but it showed that sports betting can be a fun and social way to play - which would hopefully change how many of the public thought of the pastime. As long as it’s enjoyed responsibly, of course!

6. “Betting Responsibly” by Coral (2019)

Coral's 2019 ad took a serious tone, highlighting the negative impacts of gambling addiction. The ad, titled “Betting Responsibility,” showed the emotional toll of gambling, from financial strain to strained relationships.

While this was quite different from their usual humorous ads, it was a bold move that earned Coral praise for addressing a serious issue.

7. “Blind Football” by Paddy Power (2012)

The “Blind Football” ad from 2012 featured blind people playing football with hilarious and exaggerated mishaps. While some may have seen the ad as offensive, it was all done in good faith. The ad promoted Paddy Power's in-play betting service, adding an element of unpredictability and excitement to live sports betting.

8. “Chav Tranquiliser” by Paddy Power (2010)

Once again, Paddy Power proves that it is known for its controversial yet memorable ads. And the “Chav Tranquiliser” from 2010 is no exception. The ad shows a sniper taking out rowdy football fans with tranquilliser darts.

It’s funny because we all know how crazy football fanatics can really get! While some criticised the commercial for its portrayal of football fans, most saw it as a clever jab at overly enthusiastic supporters.

9. “The Power of Betfair” by Betfair (2008)

Betfair’s 2008 ad was considered to be a technical marvel, showcasing its peer-to-peer betting system. The ad featured people betting against each other, highlighting the advantages of the betting exchange. The iconic power station showed off Betfair's user base, and the tagline "The Power of Betfair" emphasised the site's reputation as a serious betting platform.

10. “The Ladbrokes Life” by Ladbrokes (1998)

This UK commercial from 1998 became an instant classic. With its catchy jingle and relatable characters, it struck a chord with everyday people who enjoy a flutter on the horses and a pint with the lads. Ladbrokes made sports betting seem easy and accessible to everyone, and the jingle "I'm just an everyday normal guy" became synonymous with the brand.

Conclusion

These ads have not only entertained the masses for many years, but they’ve changed how the world sees online gambling in many ways. More than just ads, many of these commercials have become memorable moments that are now a part of pop culture.