Paddy Power
Paddy Power sister sites include Betfair, Sky Vegas, Sky Bingo, Sky Bet, Tombola, Pokerstars, and Sky Casino.
Paddy Power (paddypower.com) is operated by Flutter Entertainment, Level 2, Spinola Park, Mikiel Ang. Borg Street, St. Julians, SPK1000, Malta.
Paddy Power Sister Sites 2024
Paddy Power belongs to Flutter Entertainment – a casino network company that was born out of the union between Paddy Power and Betfair. Flutter Entertainment now owns and operates all of the Sky-branded casinos. That means there’s a whole new range of Paddy Power sister sites. Some of them are drastically different from Paddy Power, whereas others are more comparable. The Paddy Power sister sites we’ve chosen to focus on are Betfair, Sky Casino, Sky Vegas, Sky Bet, Sky Bingo and PokerStars UK. Let’s look at their highlights.
Betfair
Betfair is one of the biggest names in sports betting in the UK. So is Paddy Power. There are other Paddy Power sister sites now that the Sky Betting group is under the Flutter Entertainment umbrella, but Betfair is the biggest. Through its website, its app, and a limited number of high street shops, Betfair gets a significant amount of the sports betting market share. Betfair is so closely linked to sports betting that it’s easy to forget that it does anything else. Visit its yellow-and-black homepage, though, and you’ll find a full live casino portfolio offering poker, slots, special exchange games, and even a few virtual sports options if there’s nothing “live” to bet on at the time of your visit. Betfair does everything that Paddy Power does, but with different odds and different promotions. of all the Paddy Power sister sites, Betfair is the closest comparison.
Sky Casino
The Sky brand is known and used by millions of people in the UK, whether that’s for television, the internet, mobile phones, or just for gambling. It’s a name that the British public knows and – for the main part – trusts. That level of brand familiarity has been useful for drawing people to the Sky branded casino sites, which are owned by Bonne Terre Limited but fall under the Flutter Entertainment umbrella. That makes them Paddy Power sister sites. Sky Casino is the “catch-all” brand. It offers almost every type of iGaming activity under one roof. Players’ reviews of the casino aren’t always the best, but it’s one of the largest casinos of its kind in the UK and does its best to cater to everybody. It might look and feel radically different to Paddy Power because it’s a casino site rather than a sportsbook, but there are comparisons to be made here because of the existence of the other Paddy Power brands like Paddy Power Vegas and Paddy Power Casino.
Sky Vegas
Sky Vegas is similar to Sky Casino when it comes to the games available and the terms offered on those games, but it aims to bring a little more glamour to proceedings with its Las Vegas theme. Sky Vegas is the most glamorous of the Sky brands, and the most likely to be advertised on television. The casino focuses on gimmicky “game show” games as much as it does on slots and traditional casino fare and has more attractive promotional offers than its siblings. Safe betting is obviously a priority for Sky Vegas. Whilst almost all big-name casinos feature responsible gaming banners and logos, Sky Vegas is one of only a handful that lists a huge banner across the top of its homepage above the list of games. It promises that players can “set a limit in under a minute,” thus ensuring that gambling remains fun. Sky Vegas probably makes for a better comparison to Paddy Power Games than Paddy Power, as the differences between the two brands are minimal.
Sky Bet
Flutter Entertainment was created when Betfair and Paddy Power – two of the biggest sports betting companies on the planet – came together. You’d have thought the last thing they’d want or need is another sports betting company, but they bought the Sky Betting and Gaming range anyway. That means – in a manner of speaking – that Sky Bet is a Paddy Power sister site. You could use Paddy Power, Betfair, or Sky Bet to place wagers on the sport of your choice, and the money would mostly end up in the same place. Sky Bet has risen to prominence through a series of well-placed sponsorships, including sponsoring the entire English Football League. It’s a big-money brand with a massive media profile and a vast player base, so it’s yet another asset to this gargantuan company. As far as Sky branded casinos and betting sites go, Sky Bet is the most similar to Paddy Power because of its focus on sport. There are differences between the two, but they’re mostly differences in branding rather than content.
Sky Bingo
Eyes down for Sky Bingo – another Sky-branded casino site that competes with Foxy Bingo, Gala Bingo, 888 Bingo and all the other big names at the top of the bingo tree in the UK. This is actually one of the oldest of all the Sky casino sites, launching long before Sky Vegas was even an idea in a marketing executive’s head. Sky Bingo offers exactly what you’d expect from it in terms of bingo rooms and bingo-based promotions, but doesn’t stop there. It’s branched out into offering Slingo and slots, and comes with a few exclusives that you might not find at other Sky-branded casino slots or elsewhere on the Flutter Entertainment range. It may carry the Sky name, but it’s a bingo site with its own unique personality.
PokerStars UK
PokerStars has a marketing deal with Neymar, the Brazilian football superstar. That tells you almost everything you need to know about how big this casino is in a single sentence. You might think “casino” is the wrong word to use when we’re talking about a poker website, but we’d disagree. PokerStars undoubtedly focuses on poker, but it doesn’t draw the line at poker. Its poker tournaments are known worldwide, but the UK PokerStars website also offers sports betting and full casino facilities. PokerStars is known for being especially accommodating to those who are new to the game. Learning to play poker can be intimidating – especially when some players will happily take the shirt off a newcomer’s back. The “learn to play” section of the Pokerstars website will walk you through everything you need to know as a beginner and make sure you’re not paired with card sharks while you’re still learning the hobby. With a little time and practice, you might one day make it to one of the casino’s celebrity tournaments! Paddy Power does provide poker games so there are fewer differences between Poker Stars and Paddy Power than you might initially imagine, but it’s still a stretch to say that they’re comparable brands or betting sites.
Paddy Power News
: Few bookmakers in the UK are as bold with their bet builders as Paddy Power, as proven by their latest Bet Builder for all the football fixtures on Sunday, the 13th of November. The bet builder covers the upcoming Nations League matches, as highlighted by tipster Colin Harvey. His insights, relayed in the Paddy Power blog, provide a comprehensive view of potential outcomes, emphasising both player performances and match results, which are key to crafting a successful bet. The focus is on two late games: Austria versus Norway and Faroe Islands versus Latvia. For the Austria vs. Norway match, the prediction leans towards an Austrian victory, noting their home advantage and the potential rebound from recent shaky performances, despite Norway’s strong showings in previous outings.
Additionally, the betting guide pinpoints Erling Haaland as a likely scorer, given his impressive track record for Norway, which adds a valuable dimension to the bet. In the Faroe Islands vs. Latvia game, the historical context of their past encounters suggests another draw might be on the cards, especially considering both teams’ struggle to dominate in recent matches. Adding to the mix is the prediction of under 2.5 goals for the game, aligning with the typically low-scoring nature of their previous meet-ups. These betting insights are bundled into a multi-match Bet Builder that offers a 23/1 payout, illustrating the potential high reward from combining these selected outcomes. Paddy Power ensures that each suggested bet is supported by detailed analysis and current odds, reinforcing their reputation for providing bettors with both a secure and insightful betting experience.
: The rivalry during the England vs Ireland match may be fierce, but the boosted odds at the Paddy Power sister sites are fiercer. As the two teams prepare to clash on the 7th of September at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium, Paddy Power is luring in new customers with a remarkable offer. Those registering for the first time can benefit from boosted odds of 30/1 for a goal to be scored during the match. This opportunity highlights Paddy Power’s commitment to adding excitement to what promises to be a riveting contest. The fixture itself holds significant interest as England, guided by interim manager Lee Carsley, seeks to overcome the disappointment of a Euro 2024 final defeat. Despite the absence of key players like Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden, England’s squad still boasts considerable attacking strength, likely to challenge the Irish defence vigorously.
The Republic of Ireland, leveraging home-ground advantage, is expected to counter with robust defence and strategic plays aiming to upset the visitors. To take advantage of Paddy Power’s offer, new users must register and follow a simple process. After clicking on a designated link to reach the offer’s page, prospective bettors need to join, set up their account, and then place a wager with a maximum stake of £1 on the promotional odds. Once the match concludes, winnings will be paid out in cash at standard odds, with any additional winnings from the enhanced odds credited as free bets. These free bets will be available for use over the following seven days.
: Paddy Power rolled out an unmissable offer for new customers ahead of the Community Shield clash between Manchester City and Manchester United. The bookmaker gave punters the chance to back either team at significantly boosted odds: Manchester City at 45/1 or Manchester United at a staggering 100/1. This offer was available exclusively to new customers who signed up using the promo code YFBCXP. To take advantage of this promotion, interested parties had to create a new account, deposit a minimum of £5 via card payment or Apple Pay, and place a £1 bet on the “To Lift the Cup” market. If Man City managed by Pep Guardiola, came out on top, those who placed their bet on the favourites will receive a modest cash return of £1.29, including the original stake, but will also get £44.71 in free bets.
On the other hand, those who backed Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United at the more daring 100/1 odd would receive £3.90 in cash plus £97.10 in free bets. These ultra-boosted odds presented a rare opportunity for those looking to make the most of the upcoming match. However, the offer did come with some stipulations: only deposits made through cards and Apple Pay were eligible, and the free bets awarded were valid for 30 days. Additionally, this promotion was only open to residents of the UK and the Republic of Ireland. It’s important to note that winnings from these bets will be paid at the standard odds in cash, with the balance topped up to the enhanced price through free bets.
: Paddy Power went in all guns blazing for their last bet builder of the Euro 2024 championships, offering an enticing treble for the final showdown between Spain and England. This critical matchup, set to unfold at Berlin’s Olympiastadion and aired across major networks like BBC, ITV, and RTE, has captured the attention of football followers worldwide. In the finale, key players from both teams are spotlighted in Paddy Power’s bet builder, which predicts stellar performances and offers odds of approximately 12/1. To put a little context behind the bet builder, the sportsbook’s blog article notes that Spanish midfielder Dani Olmo, despite not being a first-choice player initially, has emerged as a pivotal figure in the tournament due to an injury to Pedri. Furthermore, Olmo’s impressive tally of three goals and two assists underscores his potential impact against England, with the odds suggesting a strong likelihood of him either scoring or assisting.
For England, Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka are the focal points of the bet. Foden, who has been increasingly influential despite not registering a goal or assist, is predicted to manage at least one shot on target. His progression in the tournament and near goals in previous matches, including a crucial post-strike in the semi-final, highlight his readiness to potentially change the outcome of the final. Similarly, Saka, celebrated for his critical goal against Switzerland in the quarterfinals, is tipped to maintain his form with likely shots on target, reflecting his role as one of England’s standout performers. The bet builder’s selections are deeply rooted in the players’ performances and roles within their respective teams throughout the tournament, making the treble a promising punt for savvy sports bettors.
: Paddy Power may be a lot of things, but humble isn’t one of them judging by the post published on their in-house blog which states why “Paddy’s better than the rest”. With Euro 2024 on the horizon, Paddy Power is rolling out several exciting offers to help followers make the most out of the championship. For new customers, there’s a special offer where placing a £5 bet on sports will earn you £20 in free bets. The Golden Boot betting offer is another highlight. By placing a £10 bet on the Euro 2024 Golden Boot market, customers receive a £1 free bet builder for each shot on target and an additional £1 for every goal their selected player scores throughout the tournament. This offer is available from June 1 until June 14, and customers need to opt-in to participate.
Additionally, Paddy Power is offering free Bet Builders for all three of England’s group games at Euro 2024. This means customers can enjoy high stakes betting opportunities for England’s matches against Serbia, Denmark, and Slovenia. These free Bet Builders are accessible via the Paddy Power Promotions page and are available to both new and existing customers who have previously deposited using a debit card, Apple Pay, or Paysafe. Moreover, Paddy Power has ramped up its popular Beat The Drop game, offering every customer a free chance to play with £1 million upfront. The game involves answering 20 questions, and any remaining money in the pot at the end is the customer’s to keep.
: No betting company in the UK does hilarious PR stunts like the Paddy Power sister sites, as proven by their recent antics involving Manchester City. Following the wrap-up of the Premier League, Paddy Power sent a giant asterisk to the Etihad Stadium to mock the club amidst ongoing allegations. Manchester City recently clinched another Premier League title, yet their success has been overshadowed by 115 Financial Fair Play (FFP) charges levied against them. This asterisk, a symbol often used to denote disputed achievements, was a cheeky reminder of the cloud hanging over City’s accomplishments. Paddy Power’s stunt underlines their reputation for clever and humorous marketing campaigns that resonate widely. The giant asterisk, prominently displayed, quickly garnered attention and sparked discussions among football fans and commentators. The charges against Manchester City accuse the club of breaching various financial regulations over several seasons, raising questions about the legitimacy of their recent successes.
While the club continues to dominate on the pitch, these allegations have cast a shadow over their achievements, making Paddy Power’s stunt both timely and impactful. This approach not only grabs headlines but also engages the public in a way that few other bookmakers manage to achieve. Their ability to combine wit with timely commentary on current events sets them apart in the competitive world of sports betting. This latest stunt is a reminder of Paddy Power’s unique brand of marketing, which consistently pushes boundaries and captures public attention. It also serves as a playful yet pointed commentary on the ongoing FFP saga, highlighting the tension between football’s financial regulations and the pursuit of success.
: On the 21st of April, Paddy Power rolled out an enticing Bet Builder feature offering 8 / 1 odds on the upcoming Everton versus Nottingham Forest match. The clash is pivotal for both teams, each grappling with the threat of relegation, and is set to take place at Goodison Park. The betting angle that’s stirring interest among Paddy Power’s sportsbook members focuses on several outcomes; the tips suggest opting for ‘Nottingham Forest or a draw, pointing out the slim one-point lead Everton holds over Forest, which barely distinguishes the two in the Premier League standings. Another bet aspect anticipates goals in both halves, a common occurrence in matches featuring teams fighting to avoid relegation. This is underscored by both clubs’ previous matches, where goals have been a frequent sight, particularly in the second halves.
Adding intrigue to individual performances, the tips which are reflected in the bet builder include bets on Beto to achieve at least one shot on target and to commit one or more fouls during the game. Despite being used mainly as a substitute, Beto’s impact is noteworthy whenever he plays, exhibiting a high rate of shots per game. His aggressive style also suggests he’s likely to commit fouls. Another interesting leg on the bet builder is on Giovanni Reyna to commit one or more fouls. Although not a regular starter for Forest, his per-minute play suggests he could be involved in several fouls, which might occur in this high-stakes game. Paddy Power’s new ‘Super Sub’ offer could also enhance the betting experience, where bets continue with a player’s replacement if they are substituted.
: The Sun has highlighted a thrilling offer from Paddy Power for new customers, focusing on the upcoming Premier League match between Arsenal and West Ham. This enticing promotion allows new Paddy Power customers to back Arsenal at an enhanced odds of 40/1 to win the match, a significant boost from the original odds of 2/7. The match, set to take place at the Emirates Stadium, promises to be a high-stakes encounter in the Premier League. To participate in this offer, interested parties must visit the sportsbook website and open a new account using the specific promo code provided. A minimum deposit of £5 is required, and participants can place a maximum bet of £1 on Arsenal to win against West Ham. If the bet is successful, winners will receive their earnings in cash based on the standard odds, with the additional amount credited in free bets to bring the total payout to the enhanced odds of 40/1.
The free bets earned through this promotion are valid for seven days, giving winners a chance to explore more betting opportunities. It’s important to note that only deposits made with cards are eligible for this offer, and it excludes multiples and in-play bets. This promotion is a part of Paddy Power’s ongoing efforts to attract new customers and provide exciting betting opportunities on major sports events. As always, The Sun and Paddy Power sister sites encourage responsible gambling, reminding players to set time and monetary limits and gamble only with money they can afford to lose.
Can Paddy Power Be Trusted?
★★★★★
Paddy Power is a 5-star trusted casino.
1. Licenses and Fines | Paddy Power is covered by a clean UK Gambling Commission licence. |
2. Accepts UK players? | This is a UK-focused brand. |
3. Trustpilot Score | OK at 3.4 out of 5.0 after over 4100 reviews. |
4. Operator Name & Location | Flutter Entertainment Plc of Dublin. |
5. Bonus Terms | Paddy Power isn’t in the habit of imposing wagering requirements on bonuses. |
6. Customer Support | Support is provided via live chat, with no email or telephone options. |
7. Withdrawal Speed & Options | Immediate bank transfers available, 24 hours on e-wallets. |
8. Number of Sister Sites | Via Flutter Entertainment, there are twelve Paddy Power sister sites. |
9. Games portfolio | Paddy Power should be judged as a sports betting site, but Paddy Power Games has thousands of slots, and poker and bingo are also available. |
10. On GamStop? | Yes, Paddy Power is on GamStop. |
Overall SCORE > | ★★★★★ – 5/5 Stars |
Paddy Power Review 2024
Paddy Power is one of the most famous casinos in the UK, but it’s famous as a sports betting website. It’s far less well-known for its bingo and casino offerings, even though it has plenty of both. Should they be getting as much of your attention as the sports betting options do? Is Paddy Power still worthy of its position as a top-rated betting brand after being online since 2004? This review will give you the answers.
Paddy Power Welcome Offers
We’ll happily note that Paddy Power offers welcome bonuses for Paddy Power Games and Paddy Power Bingo, and even a few poker bonuses, but we have separate pages for those aspects of the Paddy Power brand. On this page, we’re reviewing Paddy Power as a sports betting brand, and if you’re a new customer, you can claim £30 in free bets by depositing and betting just £5. You’ll need to remember to use the code “YSKAST” when placing your bet. Your qualifying bet has to be made on an event with odds of 2.0 or greater, and your deposit must be made with a debit card. While the wording could be clearer, we believe that the £30 is awarded as a single credit rather than being broken down.
Ongoing Promotions
The promotions you’ll see at Paddy Power will depend on what’s happening in the wider world of sports at the time of your visit. If you visit during Wimbledon, you’ll see a lot of tennis promotions. If you visit during the Olympics, there will be an Olympic theme to the bonuses on offer. The bets here aren’t limited to sports; if there’s something significant happening in politics, like an election in the UK or the USA, you might see promotions and incentives related to that. There’s no loyalty programme, which is quite a surprise for a brand of this size, but you should find that there are new promotions available almost every time you log into the Paddy Power website or app.
What are the Pros and Cons of Paddy Power?
Pros: The biggest benefit of playing at Paddy Power is the site’s sheer range and scale. It tries as hard as it can be to cover every aspect of iGaming. It has bingo, live dealer games, slots, Slingo, jackpot games, and (of course) sports. So long as you’re happy with the terms and conditions that the site offers, there’s little need for you to ever go anywhere else. Having no wagering restrictions on free spins is a real treat, too.
Cons: The biggest drawback is that you won’t get much in the way of rewards for your loyalty or your spending. Some of the terms and conditions are far harder to find than they need to be, which is odd because – like with the zero wagering requirement on free spins – they’re worth promoting rather than hiding. The layout of the website could be better, too – we found the customer support section difficult to locate.
The Paddy Power Sportsbook
The big attraction at Paddy Power is the sportsbook. They almost don’t need us to sing their praises because they’re among the best-known sports betting companies in the UK. From accumulator rates to in-play match odds, this is one of the most comprehensive sportsbooks in the UK. If you can’t bet on a sport here, the chances are that you can’t find anywhere to bet on it at all.
Upon landing on the Paddy Power homepage for the first time – which looks surprisingly basic, given how extroverted the brand’s persona is – you’ll automatically see the latest prices in whatever the biggest live event is at the time of your visit. Below that, everything defaults to football. As anyone who’s seen Paddy Power’s cheeky social media commercials knows, football is the brand’s bread and butter. After that, the order of priority at Paddy Power is horse racing, greyhound racing and golf. For some reason, the Paddy Power Lotteries games are lumped in on the long list of sports. Don’t ask us why – it makes no sense to us, either. As we said above, the layout of the Paddy Power website can sometimes leave a lot to be desired.
Deposit and Withdrawal Methods
You won’t struggle to find an acceptable deposit method with Paddy Power. You can use debit cards as you might expect, Skrill or Neteller e-wallets, a PaySafe voucher card, Rapid Transfer, or PayPal. Apple Pay may be available for some users on Apple devices. You can even make a bank transfer to Paddy Power, although that might take a day or five to reach your account. All other methods of deposit should clear instantly.
The fastest way to withdraw money is via Rapid Transfer, which is instant. PayPal and e-wallet withdrawals should come within 1-4 hours. Debit cards and Apple Pay will take 1-3 days, and bank transfers may take between 1-5 days. However, if you have an account that’s been approved for instant bank transfers, you shouldn’t have to wait for your money even for so much as a single minute.
Customer Support and License
You can’t speak to Paddy Power over the phone, which is the source of at least some of the negative Trustpilot reviews. You can, however, speak to them any time via live chat so long as you’re logged into your account.
Through PPB GE Limited, Paddy Power holds licenses with both the UK Gambling Commission and the Malta Gaming Authority. The licence is clean, and although it doesn’t cover all of the Paddy Power sister sites, it does cover Betfair.
Paddy Power – The Verdict
Paddy Power might not have the compelling promotional offers and incentives that it used to be able to boast about, but it still has plenty to offer to most UK players. The sportsbook won’t be bettered anywhere else, and there’s nothing shabby about the casino games either. The rewards in the “Paddy’s Rewards” section of the site aren’t up to much, but there’s very little else we can list as a negative – it’s as strong a betting site as its reputation suggests that it ought to be.
What are players saying about Paddy Power?
Here are our condensed / reader’s digest summaries of recent player reviews of Paddy Power. We’ve taken them from players who have direct experience of using Paddy Power’s brands and products and wanted to share their experiences.
- 07-Aug-2024 by Umut:
Absolutely perfect experience with Paddy Power. I have nothing to complain about! – source: Trustpilot - 07-Aug-2024 by Craig:
Paddy Power used to be a decent platform for online slots, but not anymore. I’ve spent over £1,000 without any wins. It feels like they’ve become far too greedy. I’m done with it. – source: Trustpilot - 06-Aug-2024 by Ed:
I generally have no issues with Paddy Power, and when I do, they’re sorted out immediately. Cheers to Paddy Power for making sure things work smoothly. – source: Trustpilot - 06-Aug-2024 by Noel:
Enough is enough. How do they keep getting away with this? I played 14 hands of blackjack, winning only 2 while losing 10 in a row. This kind of outcome is becoming the norm with Paddy Power. Supposedly, the RTP is 99.8% in favour of players, but it seems more like 99.8% in favour of Paddy Power. I’ve experienced these losses for the last three weeks. Sometimes I’ve played 22 hands, winning only 2 and losing 15 in a row. There is no logical explanation other than that the games are fixed. – source: Trustpilot - 05-Aug-2024 by Trotter:
I changed my deposit limit to £5 a week because I was tired of losing money on their rubbish slots without ever winning anything. A few days later, I received an email stating that my account had been closed, and I wasn’t allowed to contest it. The security team gave a reason I couldn’t understand. It seems they shut down accounts when you try to limit your spending. Is that the kind of company you want to trust with your money? I’d suggest steering clear. Their overall rating is far too generous for such a poor company. – source: Trustpilot - 05-Aug-2024 by David:
Paddy Power has the best app available. The “Super Sub” feature is unbeatable; it’s fantastic! – source: Trustpilot - 05-Aug-2024 by Stuart:
Paddy Power’s team provided fantastic assistance when I requested a market option. I didn’t know this was possible, but I’m glad I reached out to them about Birmingham City winning League 1 with 100 points and 100 goals. – source: Trustpilot - 05-Aug-2024 by Joseph:
I place bets every day but only win once in a blue moon. It’s easily the worst betting site out there. Even the bingo games are rigged with the same names always winning. All these sites need to be shut down. – source: Trustpilot - 04-Aug-2024 by Sara:
Paddy Power is terrible. They never honour free bets or cashback offers, and everything is overly complicated. Even when I have proof that I should qualify for an offer, they just pass me around between agents until I give up. There are plenty of better companies to choose from; avoid Paddy Power. – source: Trustpilot - 04-Aug-2024 by Terry:
Paddy Power is the best online casino I’ve come across. The experience is fast and smooth, with all the top slots and great jackpots. Their sports odds are brilliant, and they have fantastic weekly deals. – source: Trustpilot
Paddy Power In The Media
About Paddy Power and News
Paddy Power was founded 33 years ago, in 1988, in Dublin, and has grown into one of the biggest bookmakers in the UK and Ireland. They merged with Betfair in 2016 to become Paddy Power Betfair, before rebranding to Flutter Entertainment in 2019. While the in-person green stores are still existing, the move to online gambling is becoming more and more of a priority for the company. Paddy Power is certainly keeping up with the changes. Flutter Entertainment is arguably one of the biggest online entertainment providers of its kind. When it comes to the latest news and updates, Paddy Power actually has its own news site, that includes a massive range of content, including results, tips, and general news about football, horse racing and a lot more. Players and gambling fans can check this site for relevant news and other types of content, and it’s often as specific as the news you’ll find on a non-gambling site. Paddy Power claims that they like to do things differently and “serve up mischief”, so it is no surprise that they are also widely known for their controversial stunts and advertising.
Criticisms and Failures of Paddy Power
With great success and popularity also usually comes great criticism. Even with Paddy Power’s huge reputation across Ireland and the United Kingdom, there have been many criticisms of the brand for a number of controversial things that have happened in the past. The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) have received thousands of complaints about many of Paddy Power’s publicity stunts, adverts, and more. Paddy Power has previously offered betting odds on events that could be constructed as unsavoury and do not fit within regular betting standards. Some of these instances include betting on an assassination attempt on former US President Barack Obama, accepting wagers on the first species to become extinct due to the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, and on the potential extinction of polar bears in 2009. Not content with all that, they also welcomed betting on the outcome of the court trial of Oscar Pistorius for the murder of his girlfriend in2014 in South Africa. Additionally, in 2017, the company offered betting odds on a deceased footballer (Ugo Ehiogu), to become the new Birmingham City F.C manager. That was later blamed on human error.
Paddy Power has also been criticised for withholding large pay-outs, such as the instance when Shane Lowry won the Irish Open in 2009. The company claimed that the 3000/1 bet they’d accepted on that outcome had been offered by mistake and ‘arrangements’ were made for those involved. In 2010, a hacker gained access to more than 600,000 people’s personal information, including addresses, phone numbers, and security questions/answers, and Paddy Power did not inform the Information Commissioner’s Office until 2014. That was a whole four years after the actual incident. Also, in 2018, a gambling addict was allowed to wager thousands of pounds of stolen money, in both William Hill and Paddy Power betting shops. Two victims of the thefts were seeking £965,000 from Paddy Power because of the bets made, and the victims said that Paddy Power had not yet compensated them for their losses.
Paddy Power Advertising; the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
If you venture over to YouTube for video advertisements, the first video that shows when you search for “Paddy Power adverts” is a 2015 video entitled “Top 5 Most Controversial Paddy Power Adverts”, which is never a good start. The five adverts featured in the video include a range of different scenarios making jokes at the expense of religious groups, the LGBTQ+ community, and the lower class. Some may say that these controversial adverts are a way of gaining mass popularity – bad publicity is still publicly, one might suggest. The flipside of that argument is that Paddy Power alienates people within these groups and also upsets the sensitivities of existing customers every time this happens. It’s a consequence of their “high risk, high reward” promotional strategy.
Although Paddy Power has succeeded in attracting attention by causing offence and controversy, they still sometimes find ways to get themselves in trouble when they’re not even trying. In 2010, Paddy Power built a huge Hollywood style sign on Cleeve Hill overlooking the Cheltenham Festival, which was received badly by many racecourse officials. Paddy Power was not the official sponsor of the festival, and this sign drew a lot of attention away from the actual sponsors. But this did not stop the company from erecting the sign once again in the same year, this time near Celtic Manor overlooking the 2010 Ryder Cup, which was not approved any more than it was the first time. Although this publicity stunt is a lot less harmful than some of their other adverts, it still landed Paddy Power in hot water with event organisers.
Paddy Power on Social Media
As well as being well known for its advertising and associated controversies, this gambling brand is also very popular and present on social media. They have over 1.5 million “likes” on their verified Facebook page, as well as an extremely active Twitter account with over 650k followers. The verified Instagram page also holds over 170k followers, as well as having 54k subscribers over on YouTube. The popular Facebook page keeps up with sports news by sharing mostly memes and an occasional responsible gambling post. This type of content reaches not only their main target audience but also a lot of younger social media users and are therefore introducing themselves to new customers through the posting of memes and related funny content. Paddy Power’s use of social media is a lot more consistent than other casinos, likely due to it being a huge brand to start with. They always find ways to get their name into the newspapers – and you’ll probably hear about yet another daft Paddy Power stunt sooner rather than later.