Coral leverages 1980s nostalgia to launch ‘Rewards Grabber’ loyalty game

(AsiaGameHub) –   Coral is tapping into 1980s nostalgia to market the launch of its exclusive “Rewards Grabber” platform to UK audiences.

Through a campaign developed by Wonderhood Studios, Coral is drawing on arcade nostalgia and retro gaming culture to promote its free-to-play rewards platform via a vibrant 1980s-inspired refresh.

This campaign marks the latest addition to Coral’s “We’re Here For It” marketing strategy, which aims to position the heritage betting brand around humor and light entertainment for mainstream audiences.

Chris Brocklehurst, Head of Brand at Coral, stated the campaign was designed to bridge the operator’s legacy with modern audiences during its centenary year.

“In our centenary year, we’re leaning into the magic of classic 80s gaming with our Coral Rewards Grabber,”

Launching this weekend on UK prime-time television, Coral’s advert was directed by Ben Dean of Magna Studios, whose prior commercial work includes campaigns for Nike UK, McDonald’s and Beats by Dre.

Coral confirmed the campaign will run across linear television, BVOD, social media and out-of-home advertising, with media planning managed by PHD Media.

Wonderhood Studios was named Coral’s new lead creative agency in 2025, following an advertising review by Entain across its heritage UK betting brands.

The review formed part of Entain’s broader reassessment of brand strategy and marketing effectiveness for Coral and Ladbrokes amid increased competition and tighter regulatory scrutiny of gambling advertising.

James Rafter, Creative Director at Wonderhood Studios, joked that while “hairstyles, music and fashion were better in the 80s”, the decade’s prize offerings were “a bit naff” – a contrast to the modern Coral Rewards Grabber.

Myles Vincent, also Creative Director at Wonderhood Studios, added that Coral had fully embraced the “ambition and humour” of the concept to create a campaign that feels “unapologetically entertaining”.