The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has found that broadcaster SBS breached gambling advertising rules by airing a Crown advertisement at a prohibited time during a live broadcast of the Tour de France in July 2025.
The ACMA investigation determined that the advertisement promoted Crown’s gambling activities outside the permitted window. Under the Commercial Television Industry Code of Practice, gambling commercials may only be shown before play, after play, and during scheduled or unscheduled breaks if aired during live sporting events between 8:30 p.m. and 5 a.m. SBS is required to comply with these rules under its own Code of Practice.
While the Code includes a “dining or entertainment” exception for advertisements relating to such facilities at gambling venues, the ACMA found the Crown advertisement did not qualify. Its use of the tagline “premier casino resort” drew attention to gambling activities available at the venue. Two other Crown advertisements aired during the event did not breach the Code, as they focused on dining and entertainment without using the tagline.
Authority Member Carolyn Lidgerwood said the exception does not apply if any part of an advertisement directly promotes gambling. This marked the first time the ACMA had considered the exception in an investigation. While SBS disagreed with the finding, it said it takes such matters seriously and remains dedicated to regulatory compliance.
