New South Wales launches clampdown on operators advertising to its residents

ackdown on illegal advertising has been announced in New South Wales after the government successfully prosecuted two operators in the past week.

The Office of Liquor, Gaming & Racing warned firms it is carrying out an ongoing assault on sports betting operators that encourage NSW residents to gamble.

The state’s Racing Administration Regulation 2012 prevents operators from launching any advertising that offers NSW residents any credit, voucher or reward as an incentive to bet on their sites.

In the past week there have been two convictions for breaching this rule. On Monday, Northern Territory-based licensed operator Sportsbetting.com.au was convicted after pleading guilty to running two advertisements on its site in June and July this year, offering 100% and 200% bonuses to new clients that deposited funds into betting accounts. NSW residents were not excluded from the offer.

Deputy Chief Magistrate Jane Mottley convicted and fined the company AUS$1,650 and ordered it to pay OLGR’s legal costs of $1,800.

The conviction came just days after a Penrith-based sports betting company ClassicBet was convicted of illegal gambling advertising and fined $1,000 and ordered to pay $4,500 in legal costs.

Sean Goodchild, acting director of compliance and enforcement at OLGR, said: “The wagering industry is warned they are being monitored - including social media and company websites - and if material is found to offer illegal gambling inducements to NSW residents then action will be taken. Further prosecutions are currently pending against several other wagering operators.”