Australian wagering operator Ryman Racing Pty Ltd, trading as Colossalbet, has become the first wagering operator in New South Wales to be prosecuted and convicted for publishing ads on social media under a “decency, dignity, and good taste” offense.
The AU$60,000 ($37,474) penalty was handed down by a magistrate at Downing Center Local Court on March 31st, following a determination that the advertisements did not meet the required standards of decency, dignity, and good taste.
The breaches, which were published by Ryman Racing’s sub-brand PuntHub in October 2023, included five posts across Facebook and Instagram.
Under the Betting and Racing Act 1998, gambling advertisements accessible to individuals in New South Wales must comply with strict regulations aimed at safeguarding the community from inappropriate content and potential gambling-related harm.
Bernadette Beard, Acting Executive Director of Regulatory Operations at Liquor & Gaming NSW (L&GNSW), emphasized the significance of the ruling.
“This is the first time a wagering operator in NSW has been prosecuted and convicted for publishing ads that offend standards of decency, dignity, and good taste,” she stated.
Beard added that L&GNSW actively monitors gambling advertising across various platforms and will not hesitate to take enforcement action when necessary.
“This is a serious penalty. I would urge betting providers to take note and ensure the standards in the Act are being met in their advertising”, she concluded.
