Ladbrokes fined for Australian advertising breach
Operator ordered by local court to pay a total of AU$85,000 for promoting its Odds Boost product to NSW residents
Ladbrokes was yesterday fined AU$35,000 by an Australian local court after the operator was found guilty of breaching the advertising laws of New South Wales (NSW).
The Downing Centre Local Court convicted Ladbrokes for promoting its Odds Boost and Odds Boost Extra products to NSW residents on the firm’s website, in The Sydney Morning Herald and via YouTube.
The operator, which was fined for similar offences in November 2015, must now pay a fine totalling $35,000, as well as $50,000 in legal costs following an investigation by Liquor & Gaming NSW.
Under NSW’s Betting and Racing Regulation 2012, online gambling operators are prohibited from conducting any type of advertising that entices state residents to participate in gambling activity.
Liquor & Gaming NSW deputy secretary, Paul Newson, said the regulator would not rule out taking action against senior management of operators in the future to prevent a reoccurrence of advertising breaches.
“It’s concerning that these sophisticated businesses continue to act irresponsibly by publishing advertising that risks causing or worsening problem gambling to boost profits,” he said.
“We want to ensure that senior management of wagering operators show proper regard to responsible gambling obligations and are accountable for the compliance culture within their business.
“Where we find that directors or senior management are involved in breaches, Liquor & Gaming NSW will consider extending criminal liability to these individuals.”
Last year, the Downing Centre Local Court also handed down fines to Unibet and bet365 for breaching NSW’s advertising codes.