NEWS: Coral calls review as betting laws change

The bookmaker, Coral, is understood to be talking to agencies about a

rethink on its pounds 1.3 million advertising account.

The task has been given greater urgency with the news that Bass, the

owner of Coral, is currently in takeover talks with the betting shop

chain, William Hill.

Coral is believed to have lined up a number of agencies for initial

talks about itsÿ20advertising.

It is also looking for advice over legislation coming into effect next

month which will allow betting shops to sell scratchcards.

Other changes later in the year may allow shops to advertise their

address, which they are currently forbidden from including in ads.

Nigel Philips, the commercial manager at Coral, who joined the company

two months ago, said: ‘I’m obviously reviewing what’s going on.

Inevitably, Coral’s communication strategy will be reviewed but we’re

some way from drawing conclusions.’

Advertising on the Coral account is currently held by Group X, while

Bates Dorland handles William Hill’s pounds 2.6 million business. Media

for Coral is handled by BBJ Media Services - which also handles the Bass

centralised account - while William Hill’s media is bought by MBS.

Coral recently undertook an overhaul of its 900-strong chain,

introducing the ‘blue shop’ concept in 200 of them, aiming to provide a

more pleasant environment.

This article was first published on Campaign