Controversial Irish betting agency Paddy Power has come under fire for an ad featuring a picture of boxer Floyd Mayweather with the headline “Always bet on black”.
The print campaign was developed in-house and ran in free London evening newspapers.
Nine people reportedly complained about the print ad and a further five complained when it appeared on social media.
However, the UK’s ad standards board, the Advertising Standards Association, has said its hands are tied as Paddy Power is based in Ireland.
A spokesperson for Paddy Power said, “While the advert does reference his race, it does so in a manner which isn’t in any way derogatory or insulting.
“It’s also a betting-related pun which references a roulette wheel. Because we’re about gambling – get it? If people don’t like it that’s entirely their prerogative.”
