Bingo brand to run Channel 4 'Ad Break Game'

Online bingo operator Jackpotjoy.com is using a year-long sponsorship of Channel 4's 'Deal or No Deal' to recruit members by offering them the opportunity to win £250,000.

Jacketpotjoy: Barbara Windsor campaign
Jacketpotjoy: Barbara Windsor campaign

The sponsorship begins on 15 February and will feature a puppet of actress Barbara Windsor, who first appeared in Jackpotjoy.com's ads in September.

To take part in the competition, a player has to open a Jackpotjoy.com account and sign in every day 'Deal or No Deal' is screened to get seven numbers, which change every day the show is broadcast.

The player will win £250,000 if their numbers match the ones shown in the show's sponsorship bumpers. Each different ident within the show features a number.

The Noel Edmonds-fronted game show will air six days per-week during the 12-month period.

Jackpotjoy.com believes it has achieved a first with its "ad break Bingo" game and is confident the sponsorship will comply with the broadcast code, which stipulates: "Sponsor credits must not contain advertising messages or calls to action. In particular, credits must not encourage the purchase or rental of the products or services of the sponsor of a third party."

A spokeswoman said: "The sponsorship has gone through all of the necessary channels. There is no advertising or CTA [call to action] within the sponsorship as the idents stand on their own regardless of the game mechanic."

The Jackpotjoy.com sponsorship includes all transmissions on Channel 4 and More 4 as well as on-demand views on 4oD and VoD on the Virgin platform.

It was brokered by WPP media agency Maxus. The sponsorship creative has been developed by the client's ad agency Beta.

The creative features puppets of Windsor and mascots Jack and Joy popping out of the red 'Deal or No Deal' boxes.

Bingo site Tombola also uses bumpers. The 'Emmerdale' spots feature appearances from real-life Tombola players.

A Tombola spokesman said it has not historically featured a gaming element and said the company is not willing to discuss future plans.

Jackpotjoy.com is owned by the Gamesys Group.

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