Representatives of the Australian Wagering Council commented on the matter regarding the advertising issues that have befallen the country lately and said that all operators holding licenses, had the legal right to promote their products and services via various communication channels. However, they said they will address the community concerns, related to sports betting ads.
The Council has already discussed various options for nationwide regulation of gambling advertisements. Some of the demands included the sports betting ads to be banned during the time slots intended for general audience. If these demands are satisfied, the new regulations are expected to meet an opposition of the TV networks that will be hit by a massive revenue decline.
According to the released numbers, there was a 20% jump in the amount spent on TV ads in the first half of the year. The total sum was estimated at $63 million and the indisputable leader in spending money on ads was Sportsbet with a total of $41 million spent on advertising during the aforementioned period.
Sportsbet holds a license, issued by the Northern Territory gambling officials, but it is owned by the Irish gambling giant Paddy Power Betfair.
Speaking of Sportsbet, it has been allegedly accused of disobeying the established laws, related to in-play betting. The operator was reported to the Australian Communications and Media Authority because of the mobile app that allows in-play betting. The current legislative framework prohibits Australian players from placing in-play bets via mobile devices.
This turn of events comes shortly after the launch of the Australian Association of National Advertisers Marketing Communications Code. The latter is aimed at limiting the negative impact gambling ads would have on the vulnerable part of the population.
The CEO of the Australian Wagering Council, Ian Fletcher, commented on the advertising issue and said that advertising was a global market that enabled Australians to wager in a regulated, safe environment rather than risking their funds and wagering with offshore operators, due to the lack of information.
He also said that the AWC officials applauded the Wagering and Advertising Marketing Communications Code as it calls for acceptable advertising regulation in the country. The Code is said to ensure compliance with the laws of every Australian territory and set strict laws on advertising and broadcasting with the aim of protecting minors from any negative consequences gambling ads might lead to.
- Author
Olivia Cole
