Paddy Power in trouble with advertising watchdog over Rhodri Giggs commercial

Paddy Power, who are no strangers to courting controversy with their advertising campaigns, have been given a slap on the wrist by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) and told they must not again show an "irresponsible" TV commercial that attracted complaints for glamorising gambling.

Rhodri Giggs, brother of the ex-Manchester United and Wales footballer Ryan Giggs, was employed by the bookmaker in an advert promoting Paddy Power's Rewards Club.

The advert poked fun at the well-publicised fallout between the brothers after allegations Ryan had an affair with Rhodri's wife, and was accompanied with the slogan, 'Loyalty's dead. Live for rewards'.

However, the advert, during which Rhodri ordered champagne rather than his usual pint of bitter and is seen driving a sports car as a result of his association with Paddy Power, drew five complaints from viewers, who felt it was glamorising gambling as well as suggesting betting could help people achieve a good standard of living.

The ASA considered the ad "implied gambling was a way to achieve financial security and improved self-image", and concluded the ad was irresponsible and in breach of responsible gambling rules.

Paddy Power have been told by the ASA to "ensure in future that they did not state or imply that gambling was a way to achieve financial security or improve self-image or self-esteem".

Paddy Power were invited to respond but declined to comment.

Hollywood signs and Zimmer frames: previous Paddy Power controversies

It is 17 years since a Paddy Power advert appeared involving two pensioners with Zimmer frames on a zebra crossing. Alongside them were odds and a 4x4 vehicle approaching.

There was a public outcry believing the odds were about which of them would be run over, but Paddy Power claimed the odds referred to who would be first to reach the other side.

The firm have a history of Cheltenham Festival gimmicks, including erecting a Hollywood-like structure spelling out their name on Cleeve Hill overlooking the racecourse.

Paddy Power: introduced a 'Drunk Tank' at last year's Royal AscotCredit: Paddy Power

This had to be dismantled hurriedly after the local council pointed out Paddy Power did not have planning permission.

Other adverts to cause offence were a depiction of the Last Supper transformed into a casino gambling scene, a blind football match which featured a cat accidentally being kicked into a tree and 'chavs' being shot by tranquilizer darts at a racecourse.

More recently, Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reportedly reacted angrily to not having been asked for permission for his image to be used in an advert promoting betting while also mocking the Brexit situation.

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