Across Australia, gaming operators must submit to strict laws that govern advertising standards and rules. Most casino and betting companies are careful to comply but some operators sometimes find themselves in trouble for breaching these laws. The latest company to do so is CrownBet, which has been found guilty of illegally advertising gambling inducements.
Liquor and Gaming NSW stated that CrownBet was convicted on five counts of publishing illegal gambling advertisements. The ads in question promoted inducements and offers that encouraged NSW punters to gamble, which were published in October and December 2015.
The inducements offered players reward point bonuses for bets players on the AFL Grand Final, the Melbourne Cup, various NBA games and other sporting events around the world and across Australia. While promotions and bonuses are commonly offered by casino and betting operators, there are strict laws that aim to prevent operators from offering up inducements that encourage players to gamble.
These types of inducements are seen as irresponsibly promoting gambling, and lawmakers want to ensure that players are encouraged to gamble responsible. As such, there is a fine line that is crossed, as gaming operators sometimes do not realise that their promotions and advertisements are in breach of gambling laws.
That seems to be the case for CrownBet, as its public relations team claims that the company did not deliberately break disobey local gaming advertising laws. “Magistrate Keogh described the offences as ‘inadvertent’ and involving ‘momentary non-compliance’,” a CrownBet spokesman said.
“Working closely with the office of liquor and gaming, CrownBet has since made significant improvements to its processes and systems to ensure ongoing compliance with the regulations.” While CrownBet fought to have the issue resolved without conviction, the Downing Centre Local Court has fined the operator.
As such, CrownBet will be ordered to pay $10 500 in fines and an additional $10 000 to Liquor and Gaming NSW for its legal costs. This case serves as an example for other Australian bookmakers in order to encourage them to be more careful when advertising their services.
When promoting bonuses and offers, it is easy to cross the line into irresponsible behaviour – so, it is important for bookmakers to take a second-look at their ads to ensure that they do not offer up inducements that encourage gambling.
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