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Anti-gambling ad's message backfires after big Germany win

Via NCPG
Via NCPG

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In gambling terms, this is what you'd call a bad beat: a heartfelt anti-gambling campaign backfiring thanks to an unprecedented German scoring barrage.

The National Council on Problem Gambling in Singapore is dedicated to spreading the message about gambling addiction, and focused its World Cup-themed message around a lad named Andy whose father bet big on World Cup matches. Thing is, Andy's dad apparently knew what he was doing, because he bet big on Germany, which now looks like the runaway favorite.

[Related: Brazil-Germany semifinal match sets new Twitter record]

Here's the council's video, with poor "Andy" downcast at the thought of possibly losing his entire savings:

Not shown: the sequel to that video, where "Andy" owns a yacht and is treating his pals to free juice boxes as far as the eye can see.

Look, gambling addiction is no laughing matter. But improperly aimed ad campaigns are. Even though Brazil was the overwhelming pre-tournament favorite to win, FiveThirtyEight had Germany ranked third with a 10 percent chance to win it all. (After Tuesday's victory, that chance shot up to 64 percent.) If little Andy's dad had bet, oh, $10,000 on Germany, he'd be in line to win a cool $100,000 if Germany can bring home the World Cup. Not a bad return on investment! (Also, Yahoo Sports reminds you to gamble with your head, not over it.)

[Related: Germany set new World Cup record]

Perhaps next time the campaign will be built around a side everyone knows will fall apart in group play. Say, England.

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Jay Busbee is a writer for Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at jay.busbee@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter.