Against all the odds, Sportsbet has proceeded with its April Fools’ Day gag
Dr Mumbo wondered which, if any, brands would be bold – or foolish – enough to continue with April Fools’ Day this year. And it would appear we have one of our first contenders.
Sportsbet says it has opened betting on classic NRL and AFL matches in a partnership with Fox Sports, Kayo and Seven “to give customers some semblance of excitement during this tough time”.
“Like many businesses, we are trying to maintain an element of momentum and thinking laterally to find solutions,” Richard Hummerston said in a press release sent around first thing this morning in the midst of a pandemic.
“Obviously, we will be asking customers to only wager on matches they do not already know the result of.”
Dr Mumbo can hardly wait for the ‘big reveal’ that this was all just for the lolz, so to pass the time, he’s off to read this excellent piece from AdAge, ‘What marketers should do for April Fools’ Day this year‘.
(Spoiler alert: It’s nothing).
Clarification: Kayo has contacted Mumbrella and confirmed it was not involved in this prank, and had no partnership with Sportsbet on this project. It was unaware its name would be used in the release.
Get a sense of humour… this is good
The Grinch has arrived!
Lighten up – the idea is that it is obviously a joke.
Actually quite funny
C grade humour
D grade production
Clearly made in house
Actually pretty funny.
Yeah…nah. Not funny.
That $2.40 about the 1997 Knights looks juicy
I reckon I’m a good chance to beat Edberg second time around in the final of the 87 Australian Open.
What odds can I get?
Pat
100% agree. Brands leveraging April Fool’s Day will stand out more than ever as those that add nothing to society. Step up Sportsbet. They’re not an entertainment brand (despite what they and their agency may think), they’re just continuing BAU to try and squeeze money out of people at a time we need it least. I’ll get my LOLz from elsewhere, thanks.
I’d be horrified if whoever is PR Counsel worked for my brand – absolute no idea. What a sad sack…
Lighten up guys
Who cares? Gambling is just as damaging as the Virus.
…and that’s all that matters. A person who passionately hates betting likely not. Lucky they’re not the audience and the content knows who it is targeting.
No Australian is thinking ‘yes, let me look to the known expert on pandemics, Sportsbet, to provide me with the guidance I need in this tough time’. People are allowed to have a laugh in the midst of a pandemic (I’m assuming, this is my first). You need to take a break from your anonymous trash talking ‘Dr Mumbo’ – maybe WFH isn’t for you.
Sportsbet are desperate af – what? Not making enough money?