Key points:
- The ACMA has concluded an investigation into Network Ten (Sydney)
- The network is found to be in breach of gambling advertising restrictions
- No repercussive action has yet been announced
An investigation by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) into Network Ten (Sydney) has found the media channel guilty of advertising-related violations during the 2024 Australia Formula 1 Grand Prix.
As stipulated in the Australian Commercial TV Code of Practice, gambling advertisement or promotion must not be aired during sports event broadcastings between the hours of 5am and 8:30pm. Further, gambling advertisements must also not be shown within five minutes of the event beginning or ending.
Conclusively, the ACMA investigation highlights four instances in which Network Ten infringed on these laws by airing adverts during the first practice round of the Grand Prix – however, no penalty or regulatory action against the network has so far been announced.
Indeed, this is the first violation of gambling advertising laws by Network Ten, which has attributed the infringements to human error.
Commenting on the development, ACMA member Carolyn Lidgerwood stated: “The rules around gambling advertisements on TV are there to protect the community from gambling related harms.
“Broadcasters should have strict controls in place to ensure compliance with the restrictions on gambling ads during sporting events. The ACMA will closely monitor these actions and Network Ten’s compliance with the broadcasting and online gambling advertising rules.”
Good to know: Earlier this month, the Green Party in Australia presented a proposal to advance gambling ban legislation in the country
Additional recent legislative changes coming saw the Western Australian government strengthen its gambling laws with increased penalties and enforcement powers in early February.
Elsewhere, Google announced updated to its own gambling advertisement policy last week, followed by the Dutch Gaming Authority (KSA) issuing multiple warnings pertaining to advertising restrictions in the nation.
Most recently, the Advertising Standards Council of India signed an MoU to fight illegal betting advertisement in the nation yesterday.
