The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) announced on August 26th that Network Ten’s online streaming service, 10 Play, has been issued a warning for failing to adhere to Australia’s gambling advertising regulations.
Current laws mandate that online streaming services not air gambling ads during live sports events from 5am to 8.30pm. Moreover, no such adverts can be shown five minutes before or after a game. It appears that 10 Play breached the said rules by showing gambling ads to the viewers of two games that were streamed during the prohibited time slots. Both took place on October 14th 2023, with the first one being an A-League Women’s match between the Central Coast Mariners and the Newcastle Jets, while the second saw the Socceroos lose to England in a friendly match.
According to Authority Member Carolyn Lidgerwood, Network Ten should do better, as the rules regarding how gambling is promoted online have been implemented to “minimise potential harm caused by gambling promotional content.” She further stressed that it is expected of streaming services to utilise systems that ensure compliance with the rules.
Nonetheless, Ms Lidgerwood did point out that this was Network Ten’s first case of misconduct when it came to the promotion of gambling during live sports games. The company also fully cooperated with ACMA as the investigation into its breaches was taking place. Network Ten was, therefore, not required to pay a fine and was instead left with an official warning, but future transgressions could have harsher consequences.
Network Ten has assured that the breach was the result of a coding process error and that following updates to its systems, automated processes will be tasked with ensuring that gambling ads are scheduled properly.
Another Streaming Service Was Handed a Warning in June
This Monday marked the second time a streaming service got in trouble with ACMA over the advertising of gambling products this summer. In June, ACMA called out Hubbl’s Kayo Sports for similar violations. Kayo Sports’ transgressions were more severe than 10 Play’s, however, as the service was found to have aired a total of 16 unique gambling ads multiple times between 5am and 8.30pm. A total of 267 live sports events that took place between February and March 2023 were affected. According to Hubbl, the issues were caused by a system bug that was isolated to its iOS application.
ACMA ordered that Hubbl undergo remedial procedures and that its systems be subject to an external audit. The regulator also warned that Hubbl could face a fine of up to AU$626,000 should it not comply with the remedial direction’s terms.
Depending on how the situation surrounding the Albanese Government’s proposed reforms to gambling regulations develops, ACMA might soon be tasked with monitoring the conduct of television broadcasters as well when it comes to gambling ads. Labour’s plans include rules that bear a slight similarity to the current ones that govern online gambling promotions. A ban on gambling advertisements an hour before and after a live game has been proposed, and ads will be limited to two per hour until 10 pm if the new rules come into effect. Additionally, broadcasters will be prohibited from airing gambling promotions during children’s programmes and live sports, while online gambling ads will be fully banned.
- Author
Daniel Williams
