Singapore’s National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) couldn’t have predicted that its anti-gambling campaign would become one of the biggest viral moments of the World Cup. The campaign, meant to warn against the dangers of sports betting, centered on a boy named Andy, who sadly tells his friends, “I hope Germany wins. My dad bet all my savings on them.”
Unfortunately for the campaigners—but fortunately for Andy—Germany went on a historic winning streak, thrashing Brazil 7–1 in the semifinals before claiming the World Cup title. Suddenly, the ad’s message flipped from a somber warning to an unintentional comedy hit.
Singaporeans quickly took to social media to join the fun. Manpower Minister Tan Chuan-Jin quipped, “Looks like the boy’s father who bet all his savings on Germany will be laughing all the way to the bank!” Meanwhile, Trade and Industry Minister Teo Ser Luck joked, “Germany beat Brazil 7-1! I need to find the scriptwriter for that gambling control ad.”
Online reactions poured in, with comments like “This ad has given hope to all gamblers!” and “Always trust your father.”
Even after the laughter subsided, the irony remained. The ad’s creators at Goodfellas explained that the campaign was intended to “deter gamblers from betting irresponsibly during the World Cup.” Still, had they chosen another team—say, England—the message might have hit closer to home.
Adding to the irony, Singapore had recently been linked to a World Cup match-fixing scandal involving Wilson Raj Perumal, a convicted fixer who allegedly predicted match outcomes weeks in advance.
To their credit, NCPG rolled with the punch. After Germany’s win, they quickly released a follow-up version of the ad. In it, Andy’s friend asks, “Your dad’s team won. Did you get your savings back?” Andy replies, “No… Dad never stops. He wants to bet one more time.”
Poor Andy. At this rate, his next gamble might just buy him a Lamborghini before his 16th birthday.
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