Reported today (7 March) by ACMA, the breach occurred during a live broadcast of an Australian Football League (AFL) match. The game between Port Adelaide and Essendon took place in April 2024.
According to ACMA, a virtual banner promoting a gambling operator that appeared during Foxtel’s live coverage did not include an “adequate” responsible gambling message.
Section 3.12 of Australia’s Commercial Television Industry Code of Practice requires gambling ads in live sports broadcasts to carry this messaging. This applies to the promotion of odds or ads referencing gambling in any way.
Quick response from Foxtel
Detailing the response from Foxtel, ACMA said the broadcaster cooperated after being contacted over the issue. Foxtel quickly added a responsible gambling tagline to the advert.
Additionally, Foxtel agreed to further staff training on regulatory requirements around gambling advertisements. It will report back to ACMA on the steps it is taking to ensure the gambling ads it broadcasts have sufficient responsible gambling messages.
“Messages must emphasise the potential harms and risks of gambling if it is not undertaken responsibly,” Authority member Carolyn Lidgerwood said. “An 18+ logo on its own is not an adequate responsible gambling message.”
ACMA clamping down on broadcasters
Foxtel is the second major Australian broadcaster to feel the wrath of ACMA in a matter of weeks.
Last month, ACMA also warned Network 10 after it was found to have breached regulations on gambling advertising. Network 10 aired four gambling ads at prohibited times during the first practice round of a Formula One Grand Prix stream.
Gambling adverts cannot feature in broadcasts of sporting events between 5am and 8.30pm, as per the Code. This includes the five minutes before and after the event.
Network 10 said adverts were shown as a result of human error and it has taken steps to avoid similar issues in the future.
The broadcaster’s 10 Play streaming service was also reprimanded last August for breaching online gambling advertising rules during two live-streamed sports events.
Original article: https://igamingbusiness.com/legal-compliance/acma-foxtel-breaching-gambling-advertising-rules/
