Disaster Marketing - Has Lazer Wager Gone Too Far?

A press release from Lazer Wager.com, the recently launched sportsbetting and poker website this week tested the fine line between current events-based marketing initiatives and being perceived to exploit the misfortune of others.

Owned by Trailhead SA and managed by former staff from Bet On Sports and Nine.com recruited by its British owners, Lazer Wager offered up a $10 000 reward for information leading to the apprehension of those who may have started the calamitous fires that have ravaged California.

This could be applauded as public spirited enthusiasm had the company contributed the cash to Governor Schwartzenegger's initiative to hunt down those responsible, but the company's next move can only be viewed as insensitive exploitation of a disaster in which people have lost their lives.

"Additionally LazerWager is giving each displaced Californian resident $15 to play in our casino," the company stated in a press release.

This crosses the line in a serious error of judgment in our opinion.

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