New South Wales continues its crackdown on online betting advertisement that encourages local residents to gamble.
The Australian state’s Office of Liquor, Gaming & Racing (OLGR) has warned sports betting operators breaching the Racing Administration Regulation 2012, which prohibits operators from publishing advertising that offers residents any credit, voucher or reward as an inducement to participate in gambling or open a betting account.
OLGR have seen two successful prosecutions in the past week.
Deputy Chief Magistrate Jane Mottley has slapped Northern Territory-based Sportsbetting.com.au with $1650 fine for running two advertisements on its site in June and July, offering 100% and 200% bonuses to new clients who deposited funds into betting accounts.
OLGR has also ordered the company to pay $1800 for legal costs.
Penrith-based sports-betting company, ClassicBet Pty Ltd. was also convicted for publishing a website advertisement accessible to NSW residents that promoted a “Premium Rewards Program” offering bonus bets and rewards including shopping vouchers and sports tickets.
ClassicBet was fined $1000 and ordered to pay $4500 in legal costs.
Sean Goodchild, OLGR acting director of compliance & enforcement, said licensed wagering operators should ensure NSW residents are not eligible to participate in free inducement offers and that systems are in place to prevent them from doing so.
Goodchild also warned sports betting companies that social media and company websites are also being monitored and “if material is found to offer illegal gambling inducements to NSW residents then action will be taken.”
“Further prosecutions are currently pending against several other wagering operators,” added Goodchild.
