Colossalbet fined in New South Wales for gambling advertising breach
The fine, imposed at Downing Centre Local Court on 31 March, follows a Liquor & Gaming New South Wales investigation. Colossalbet was found to have posted prohibited gambling advertisements on social media.
A total of five adverts were published by Ryman Racing sub-brand PuntHub across Facebook and Instagram.
The New South Wales Betting and Racing Act 1998 states gambling adverts must adhere to strict requirements designed to protect players from inappropriate content and potential gambling harm.
However, the court ruled the ads in question failed to meet standards of decency, dignity and good taste. As such, it convicted and fined Colossalbet – representing the first time an operator has faced such charges in the state.
New South Wales regulator calls penalty ‘serious’
Liquor & Gaming New South Wales’ acting executive director of regulatory operations, Bernadette Beard, welcomed the decision. She said it should serve as a warning to other operators as to the consequences for breaking the rules.
“This is the first time a wagering operator in New South Wales has been prosecuted and convicted for publishing ads which offend standards of decency, dignity and good taste,” Beard said.
“We actively monitor gambling advertising across all platforms and will not hesitate to take enforcement action where necessary.
“This is a serious penalty. I would urge betting providers take note and ensure the standards in the Act are being met in their advertising.”
Public transport ban for gambling advertising
The ruling comes after the New South Wales government in January announced plans to further restrict gambling advertising in the state.
All forms of gambling advertising will be banned on public transport. This covers casino, lottery and online betting adverts on trains, metro, buses, light rail and at train stations and ferry terminals.
The ban will apply to all assets owned and controlled by Transport, which operates a large portfolio of advertising assets. This includes 798 advertising boards at Sydney train stations, 49 road-facing digital billboards, adverts on up to 3,711 urban buses, 76 trams and across the Tangara train fleet.
The government will now work with advertising contract holders to implement the changes over the next 12 months.