ACMA Warns Foxtel over Gambling Advertisement Breaches

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Matthew Smith

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Expertise: Online casino, iGaming

Picture of an ACMA with an update on the Foxtel judgment (Source: Linkedin).

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The ruling refers to a game in April 2024 between AFL sides Port Adelaide and Essendon. During the match, the broadcaster displayed a virtual gambling advertisement but did not show an adequate responsible gambling message warning gamblers about the risks of betting. It is a legal requirement that gambling adverts transmitted during live events must include appropriate warning messages.

The regulator said it was not enough to show an 18+ logo and there should have been an in-depth message for responsible gambling for potential customers.

Foxtel Takes Adequate Steps to Achieve Compliance

When the ACMA raised the issue with Foxtel, the broadcaster reacted immediately and added a suitable responsible gambling message to the advertisement.

Additionally, Foxtel outlined it would be giving it would be giving its employees updated staff training on gambling advertisement legislation so that it would prevent further breaches of gambling legislation in the jurisdiction.

The statement showed the ACMA has notified Foxtel that the business must report back to the regulator outlining what actions and procedures it had taken to prevent any breaches of gaming legislation from occurring in the future.

These messages must emphasise the potential harms and risks of gambling if it is not undertaken responsibly, An ‘18+’ logo on its own is not an adequate responsible gambling message.

Carolyn LidgerwoodAustralian Communications and Media

At the end of last year, the ACMA took action against several unlicensed gambling sites in its ongoing efforts to protect the regulated gaming market in the region.

RELATED TOPICS: Regulation