New South Wales’ (NSW) authorities have announced a clampdown on illegal gambling promotions following two convictions in the past week.
The Australian state’s Office of Liquor, Gaming & Racing (OLGR) is focusing on companies that it believes are ignoring the Racing Administration Regulation 2012, which prohibits operators from publishing advertising that offers residents any credit, voucher or reward as an inducement to participate in gambling or open a betting account.
The authorities have seen two successful prosecutions in the past few days, with Sportsbetting.com.au and ClassicBet fined and ordered to pay a combined total of Aus7,950 (€5,009/$5,668) for breaching the regulations.
Sean Goodchild, OLGR acting director of compliance & enforcement, said licensed wagering operators should ensure NSW residents are not eligible to participate in free inducement offers and that systems are in place to prevent them from doing so.
“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,” Goodchild said.
“Further prosecutions are currently pending against several other wagering operators.”
Northern Territory-based Sportsbetting.com.au pleaded guilty at Downing Centre Court to publishing two advertisements on its website earlier this year offering 100% and 200% bonuses to new clients who deposited funds into betting accounts, with NSW residents not excluded from the offer.
Deputy chief magistrate Jane Mottley convicted and fined the company $1,650 and ordered it to pay OLGR’s legal costs of $1,800.
NSW-based ClassicBet was convicted of illegal gambling advertising and fined $1,000 and ordered to pay $4,500 in legal costs.
OLGR prosecuted ClassicBet after it published a website advertisement accessible to NSW residents which promoted a ‘Premium Rewards Program’ promising punters will be ‘rewarded for every bet you place, regardless whether you win or lose’.
