By AVA TURNQUEST
Tribune Chief Reporter
aturnquest@tribunemedia.net
THE Bahamas Telecommunications Company yesterday rejected accusations that its “Text to Win” promotions were a form of gambling.
The company sent out a press statement after FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis raised concerns over whether the promotion indiscriminately exposed minors to addictive games of chance.
In an interview with The Tribune earlier this week, Dr Minnis questioned whether the telecommunications provider had been given legal remit to conduct mobile gaming, and if its operations were regulated under the Gaming Act.
In its statement, BTC explained that the mobile promotion was a value added service that was skill-based, and not by chance.
“Participation varies and entry requirements range from skill-based questions, to voting or special key word submissions,” the statement read.
“BTC’s ‘Text to Win’ promotions are primarily skill based, and not games of chance. Terms and conditions are established governing eligibility as it relates to age and nationality. These terms and conditions are also posted on BTC’s website and clearly outline governing policies as they relate to participation in any ‘Text to Win’ promotion.”
The statement continued: “It should also be noted that BTC does not support or endorse any illegal behaviour, malfeasance or under-age gambling.”
Pointing to the high exposure of minors to BTC’s mobile services, Dr Minnis suggested that school-aged children are prematurely exposed to a form of gambling that would prey on their meagre resources.
He also questioned whether or not similar promotions would be distributed through the corporation’s new TV product.
Dr Minnis said: “The government must deal with this immediately and inform the public whether they’ve given BTC the license to enter the gambling arena.
“Kids will use lunch money believing they can win thousands of dollars.”
However, in its statement BTC explained that the “Text to Win” campaign was a widely adopted marketing tool in the region.
“Text to Win campaigns are the next ‘go-to’ medium for today’s businesses,” the statement read.
“This is evident in the Caribbean and North America where companies utilise this advertising channel to allow audiences to interact with their brand or business. Digicel, bmobile, and Sprint are just some of the regional and international entities that utilise the ‘Text to Win’ marketing model, attracting participants with prizes and money.”
The statement added: “BTC also uses ‘Text to Win’ prize winning knowledge tests as one of their many customer appreciation overtures throughout the year, rewarding and giving back to a large base of consumers.”
Comments
Hogfish 9 years, 11 months ago
Of course it's gambling. You are betting $1 for the CHANCE to win $5000.- enough said.
B_I_D___ 9 years, 11 months ago
I'll happily call it gambling if it will get them to stop bloody texting me!!
GrassRoot 9 years, 11 months ago
wow another gambling crisis in this country! save the ink please for better stories, such as what actually happens to profit from the 2% of BTC shares owned by The People?
Sickened 9 years, 11 months ago
> Terms and conditions are established governing eligibility as it relates to age and nationality. Seeing that minor's cannot win, will BTC still charge the phone of a minor or a phone of an adult that was used by a minor? I doubt it as there is no way that I know of to check! They will take every single dollar and hope that the winner is not eligible. That is basically theft if you know that most people who text are minors and that those persons giving you a dollar are not eligible to win. Sickening!!!
UserOne 9 years, 11 months ago
Whether it's gambling or not, the constant texts were extremely annoying. I felt like I was being harassed.
TalRussell 9 years, 11 months ago
BTC go hire yourself a QC lawyer. Good Lord knows we gots lots them pick from. Comrades this promo does not even have be gambling for it to fall nothing short of enticing their customers to "chance" after the pot of gold at end of rainbow. A poor corporate decision and it seems they are prepared to dig their heels in to keep it going.
TheMadHatter 9 years, 11 months ago
I think in the end, Govt will choose only 10 telephone companies to be eligible to apply for a gambling license - LOL - and give them a "transition period" until the end of March.
TheMadHatter
themessenger 9 years, 11 months ago
Who gives a rats ass about whether its gambling or something else. Keep your $5,000 and just give me what I already pay for and don't get from you, RELIABLE INEXPENSIVE TELEPHONE SERVICE!!!!!!!
proudloudandfnm 9 years, 11 months ago
They need to stop that crap. They're intentionally using people's minutes for nonsense just so they can turn over more volume... Not cool to use people's money to do your advertising... This should be regulated, if you tell BTC not to contact you then law should back you up....
avidreader 9 years, 11 months ago
Only recently have I ceased receiving at least one text message daily on my cellular telephone inviting me to spend a dollar in an attempt to win five thousand. However, being of somewhat mature years and frugal habits, I have resisted the temptation to waste my few minutes of talk time on a vain quest. When I see how readily people, especially young people, spend their money on frivolities I understand how difficult it will be for them to save any significant amount of money especially with new taxes and a constantly increasing cost of living. Fortunately I was taught the value of money as a child and was under no illusions about getting something for nothing which is a lesson I am reminded of when I pass the parking lots in front of the web shops. It is very unfortunate that there are so many people in this country who seem to pin their hopes on winning at a game of chance. Their hopes must be dashed on a regular basis.
TalRussell 9 years, 11 months ago
Okay, isn't this a government thing? Comrades, if this PLP cabinet is to be believed, it is the government that owns majority interests in BTC.
The_Oracle 9 years, 11 months ago
If that txt to win is at the same cost as a regular txt, it could be considered a promotion, annoying as it is. I am led to believe it costs $0.50 so it is absolutely gambling! people are taking a chance and spending money to do so. Is there an accounting to the gaming board of how much money is received from these "promotions"? Is the payout a portion of revenue received? if so, what is the %? Is Cable Bahamas going to start doing this also? What a bunch of crap. If it is allowed, there should be a free opt out!
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