Oregon Begins Television Ad Blitz To Promote Gambling

The state of Oregon does not consider what they are doing potentially harmful to gamblers. The state is defending a new advertising blitz that is promoting gambling in Oregon.

A new ad campaign called "A Knight of Fun" has been put together by the Oregon Lottery and the campaign has one purpose, to get people up off the couches and out into gambling facilities. The campaign begins this week.

While the state is excited about the campaign, others have come out against the new ads. "What they are doing is pushing people towards problem gambling. They make gambling look fun in the ads and they do not show the negative effects the behavior could lead to," said Mario Plymouth, a recovering problem gambler.

Anytime gambling is promoted at a state level there are groups that come out against the ads. That does not mean, however, that the state believes they are doing anything unethical.

"What we're hoping to do, is to attract a new player. Someone who may have avoided the smoky bars that are now smoke-free, and get them to play," said Chuck Baumann of the Oregon Lottery.

The sagging economy has led to a bit of desperation from various casinos and states. They have tried to come up with innovative ways to promote their gambling experience, but Oregon believes that old fashioned advertising could do the trick.

December 11, 2008
Posted By Terry Goodwin
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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