Online betting operator SportChamps has been fined AU$17,5 ($11,5K) for breaching New South Wales advertising regulations by enticing people to open accounts and gamble.
The company pleaded guilty to two offenses under the Betting and Racing Act, following an investigation into the operator’s website and social media ads by Liquor & Gaming NSW. The regulator found two adverts stating “Punt for free. Learn the game!” and “Receive a free bet each day.” Both of the adverts were found to have contravened state regulations prohibiting the publication or offering of inducements to open a betting account.
This is the sixth time that the firm has breached these rules.
Jane Lin, the Executive Director of Regulatory Operations at Liquor & Gaming NSW, expressed dismay at SportChamps‘ ongoing violations, noting, “It’s unacceptable that SportChamps continues to offend,” particularly highlighting the company’s five prior convictions for gambling advertising offenses dating back to 2017, 2018, 2020, and 2021. Ms. Lin underscored the gravity of the situation, stating, “It’s extremely concerning that this operator has amassed multiple convictions for breaching laws which are in place to protect people from gambling harm.”
The official also clarified the legal boundaries for wagering operators, emphasizing that while they can advertise their products, inducements like offers of increased odds or bonus bets to lure individuals to open a betting account are strictly prohibited.
Highlighting the potential threat these offenses pose to the regulatory framework, Ms. Lin affirmed: “Offenses like these have the potential to undermine the entire regulatory framework, which is why we take a zero-tolerance approach to this type of advertising.”
NSW strictly prohibits the advertisement of inducements to participate in gambling activities, including enticing individuals to bet more frequently or open betting accounts. Companies face a maximum penalty of AU$110,000 ($72,000), while individuals can be fined up to AU$11,000 ($7,200) for publishing prohibited gambling advertising.
