Are Poker Ads becoming too Racy?
We all know that poker is a predominately male game since the large majority of its playing base consists of young males. And seeing as how there are so many men in poker, online poker rooms and websites use this fact in their marketing efforts to attract new players. That’s why it’s all too common to see some sexy woman holding a pair of cards or chips while inviting you to come and join the fun. But what happens when online poker rooms go too far in their display of sexuality to entice new players?
Swank Poker recently found this out when one of their ads was considered a little too racy for the websites and magazines housing it. In the advertisement, a young woman is cupping her boobs while saying, “Will you hold this pair for me?” I must admit that I would definitely hold the pair for her, but the Advertising Standards Authority (first time I ever heard of that) does not share my point of view and has had it pulled from various magazines.
Of course the hold my pair line was not the only clever innuendo featured in the ad campaign since Swank also has another ad which promises that “your favortite girl will play as you tell her too” while showing an extremely provocative picture. I knew that some poker room would eventually take the extreme sexual angle in trying to attract players, and it’s no surprise that this pioneer is suffering the consequences from the almighty ASA.
Of course I think in 10 years from now there will be niche poker rooms using completely nude girls to either push their ads across or entertain their exisiting members. But we’ll have to wait a while to see if this prediction ever comes true.