Across Australia, there are strict gambling laws that dictate how gambling operators can and cannot advertise. Recently, there have been several cases of gaming companies violating these laws, and the New South Wales government is taking action. NSW’s Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing (OLGR) has announced that it will be keeping a closer eye on companies that may be in violation of the Racing Administration Regulation.
This law was passed in 2012, and it prohibits gaming companies from advertising any credit or vouchers that encourage players to gamble. This announcement comes shortly after Sportsbetting.com.au and ClassicBet were fined for violating these terms. SportsBetting.com.au pleaded guilty to advertising two offers that promised players 100% and 200% bonuses while ClassicBet was brought up on a similar violation.
Both operators’ fines totalled over $5,668. While these types of promotions are quite common among online gambling operators, companies are not permitted to advertise these offers. They entice players to wager with money that is not theirs, as the bonus cash must be wagered a number of times before the player can actually withdraw the funds.
Sean Goodchild, Acting Director Of Compliance & Enforcement of the OLGR, has stressed that betting operators have an obligation to abide by these rules. He states that companies should ensure that NSW residents are excluded from any such offers, and has noted that there are systems in place that help to enforce these laws.
“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," he says. At the moment, the OLGR is pursuing charges against other betting operators. It seems that this is a growing problem, and NSW authorities are serious about cracking down on these violations.
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