Sportsbet has been fined by the Office of Liquor & Gaming NSW following an investigation revealing that the Flutter-owned online bookmaker had breached rules relating to the advertising of gambling products and services.
Flutter is at it Again as Sportsbet Puts Australian Gamblers in Harm's Way Flutter is at it Again as Sportsbet Puts Australian Gamblers in Harm's Way Flutter is at it Again as Sportsbet Puts Australian Gamblers in Harm's WayAccording to the Betting and Racing Act 1998, it is an offence to ‘publish a gambling advertisement that offers any inducement to take part, or take part frequently, in any gambling activity, including an inducement to open a betting account’.
It is also illegal to issue gambling promotions or advertisements to any customer that has informed the operator that they do not wish to receive this type of direct marketing.
As a result, Sportsbet was fined $135,000 (US$98,600/€86,000) for the breaches of the act.
In a statement following the ruling, Liquor & Gaming’s Compliance Director Marcel Savary said:
Flutter is at it Again as Sportsbet Puts Australian Gamblers in Harm's WayParticipation in most forms of gambling in NSW is declining but online betting is increasing with 70 per cent of all sports betting and 37 per cent of race betting now carried out online. Liquor & Gaming NSW consistently expresses concerns to industry about gambling advertising and will continue to monitor compliance with these laws and take strong action for serious and blatant offending.”
This isn’t the first time this year that Sportsbet has been in trouble. In May, the operator was fined $22,000 (US$16,000/€14,000) for a similar breach of rules.
Flutter is at it Again as Sportsbet Puts Australian Gamblers in Harm's Way
Gambling industry journalist with a background in online poker and trading. Covering the regulated U.S Sports industry and the exciting world of online poker.