Paddy Power Presents Drama with Balls in 'Bingoton' Campaign

Mischievous betting brand Paddy Power presents an eyebrow raising ‘drama with balls’ after teaming up with creative agency Octagon for their latest ad campaign. 

'Bingoton' was formally rolled out in a fashion befitting the brand’s proverbial bingo debutante today (23rd September).  

Written and art directed by Jonny Watson, Dan Harrison and Neil Richardson of Octagon UK, and directed by Jim Gilchrist of Outsider, the 30-second TVC will get its first showing on ITV this evening during Coronation Street.  

The commercial takes viewers back to the early 19th century, with Miss Bingoton and her lady-in-waiting assessing a selection of ‘gentlemen callers’, cleverly creating a humorous parallel with the perils of modern-day dating.  

According to Josh Green, executive director at Octagon, this was the ideal comical conduit to convey the Paddy Power Bingo proposition: “In the simplest terms, bingo is drama with balls. That’s how the idea of Bingoton was born.” 

Tom Muldowney, head of gaming marketing with Paddy Power adds: “We wanted to make a ballsy ad and Miss Bingoton felt like the perfect leading lady to convey our ‘more chances’ message. That’s with the exception of the Suitor who sent her (Charles) Dickens pix. He remains on the cutting room floor.”    

The advert opens with stunning views of high society types gathering at the palatial grounds of Bingoton Manor. Centre stage is Miss Bingoton, who is joined by her lady-in-waiting and Master of Ceremonies, all of whom eagerly anticipate a parade of potential suitors for her viewing pleasure.   

Suitor Number 10 gets the (bingo) balls rolling. But he’s quickly dismissed by Miss Bingoton who instructs her footmen to 'swipe left' on her behalf.   

Suitor Number 3 is quickly dispatched in an equally decisive manner, having been judged by Miss B to be 'catfishing again' after she takes in his dated and unrecognisable profile painting.  

Trying his luck next is Suitor Number 66, a handsome gentleman from Essex who only has eyes for his own reflection.   

“The only way is EXIT,” she giggles under her breath to her lady-in-waiting.  

Paddy Power’s latest campaign comes with all the Easter eggs punters have come to expect from the mischievous brand, who manages to marry drama (and balls) to make it a perfect match.