Published

Bet365 faces fines after "misleading" Australian punters

Bet3

Bet365
65 faces large fines after the Australian Federal Court slammed the online operator for luring novice punters into a “web of deception” when offering them free bets.

The firm advertised “free bets” but the “false” promotion actually required users to spend up to AUS$1,200 before they could unlock the $200 in free bets, according to the court judgement.

Federal Court Justice Jonathan Beach said the strategy used by the Australian and UK arms of Bet365 amounted to customers that were new to online gaming being drawn into a “web of deception”.

The Federal Court ruled in favour of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, which had brought the case against Bet365, and ruled that the operator had engaged in misleading and deceptive conduct.

ACCC chairman Rod Sims said: “This judgment makes it clear that companies cannot use the word 'free' in offers to consumers where any conditions that seek to neutralise the 'free' nature of the offer are not clearly identified.

“Inducements like free bets run the risk of signing up new and inexperienced gamblers based on a deceptive claim.

“Compliance with the Australian Consumer Law is essential for all companies that sell to Australian consumers, regardless of geographic location.

“Bet365 in the UK provided support to the Australian company including finance, customer service, and the Bet365 website.”

Penalties will be determined at a further hearing in the Federal Court.
Premium+ Connections
Premium
 
 
Premium
 
Premium
 
 
Premium
 
Premium
 
Premium
 
Premium
 
Premium Connections
Consultancy
Executive Profiles
Kalshi
Flutter Brazil
Esportes Gaming Brazil
BetWarrior
Follow Us

A welcome from your host

A message from the Founder of the Global Gaming Awards and G...

From the Lead Partner

A message from BetConstruct - Lead Partner of the Global Gam...

The year in review

The Event Manager of the Global Gaming Awards reviews the mo...

Casino Operator of the Year 2025

We present to you the 2025 Shortlist for the Casino Operator...

Facing facts: FY revenue figures reflect a turbulent '24

Who soared high and who fell behind in 2024? Gambling Inside...

Taking stock: Moving through to Q2

Gambling Insider tracks online casino operator and supplier...

Preview: This year's Global Gaming Awards Asia-Pacific and Americas

It’s that time of year once again, as the Global Gaming Aw...

Costa Rica: Effective regulation is the industry's path forward

Gambling Insider Senior Staff Writer Beth Turner spoke with...