Liquor & Gaming NSW Launches Review of Gambling Ads Amid Alleged Breaches

In response to concerns about potential violations of imposed gambling harm taglines, Australia’s Liquor & Gaming New South Wales (NSW) has launched a comprehensive assessment of gambling marketing across different media platforms. The regulator has issued show-cause notices to Entain, the parent company of Ladbrokes and Neds, as well as ASX-listed BlueBet, accusing them of undermining anti-harm themes in television commercials. Since the restrictions’ introduction in March, there has been a deeper examination of wagering advertisements.

Show-Cause Notices Served to Entain and BlueBet

Entain and BlueBet have come under regulatory scrutiny after Liquor & Gaming NSW claims their marketing contradicted statutory anti-harm messages. The regulator’s probe comes after reports that the volume of the responsible gambling message was decreased, making it hardly heard in comparison to the remainder of the ad. Another operator is said to have changed the tone of the voice-over during message delivery, going from a loud and confident voice to a soft and passive one.

Concerns expressed about these alleged violations prompted Liquor & Gaming NSW to conduct a thorough review of wagering commercials on television, radio, and social media. While opponents contend that specific instructions about volume or voice were not properly stated during the execution of the rules, the regulator emphasizes that the show-cause warnings were required due to inconsistencies in the advertisements. The comprehensive assessment seeks to assure compliance and to strengthen the integrity of anti-harm messages in gambling marketing.

Since March, Australian online gambling companies have been required to include one of seven anti-harm messages in their advertising across several platforms. Under the national consumer protection framework, failure to convey clear harm-reduction message may result in penalties of up to $110,000 for gambling operators in New South Wales. As proposals from a parliamentary inquiry into gaming harm loom, the industry is ready for additional limitations on gambling advertising. Proposed tougher laws could have an impact on advertising during live sports broadcasts, prompting concerns about potential funding cuts for grassroots sports as advertising revenue drops.

The Ban on Gambling Advertising at The Guardian

In a momentous decision, The Guardian has recently barred gambling advertising across all of its outlets, both nationally and globally. This decision reflects rising concerns about the impact of gaming promotions and their propensity to encourage risky gambling behaviors. According to reports, Australian gambling and gaming companies spent roughly AUD310 million ($212.7 million) on advertising in 2022, with television networks and digital platforms earning the lion’s share. Furthermore, sports betting companies aggressively spend on stadium and sports club sponsorships, with the sector’s total annual expenditure anticipated to reach AUD600 million ($412.4 million).

The post Liquor & Gaming NSW Launches Review of Gambling Ads Amid Alleged Breaches appeared first on iGaming.org.