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30.04.2006 The Bodog group's imaginative use of airliners flying into Vegas as brand advertising venues (see previous reports) was brought up short this week when the aircraft owners developed cold feet over online gambling adverts. The owners of Allegiant Air, a Las Vegas-based air carrier, abruptly canceled an advertising deal with Bodog that would have turned six of the airline's jets into flying billboards.
The managing director at Allegiant, Ponder Harrison said he had waved off the deal after learning more about the U.S. Justice Department's intimidating views on the legality of promoting Internet gambling in America. Initial reports suggest that the airline was made aware of the legal issue after a Las Vegas Sun reporter questioned an airline executive.
In the publicity run-up to the first flight, Bodog revealed the value of the advertising deal with Allegiant at $500 000, and pictures of five already branded MD-80 jets were in circulation.
Bodog had hoped its three-month deal with Allegiant would reach gamblers travelling to Vegas and familiarise them with the Bodog brand and entertainment services.
In a statement on the issue, Bodog's founder and CEO Calvin Ayre said he understood Allegiant's decision: "I have no problem with Allegiant changing our agreement when faced with this type of threat," Ayre said. "We 100 percent support them and are saddened that they are not able to pursue their constitutionally protected rights of free speech in this case."
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