Australian sportsbook Betr has copped a record AU$210,000 (US$142,500) fine by Liquor & Gaming NSW for breaching the state’s wagering laws in its promotional material during its October 2022 launch.
The fine relates to odds of 100-1 and 20-1 Betr offered for picking the winner of major Australian sporting and racing events, such as the Melbourne Cup and Cox Plate, and on NRL and AFL markets. These odds were widely advertised in newspapers, on radio, on television and via online media.
In a Friday statement, Liquor & Gaming NSW said it had concluded that these advertisements breached NSW laws prohibiting the advertisement of any offer of an inducement to participate in a gambling activity, including an inducement to open a betting account or bet more frequently.
As a result, it issued 14 penalty infringement notices totalling AU$210,000 which Betr has elected to pay. The penalties represents the largest ever fine issued to a wagering operator for offering inducements in NSW,” Liquor & Gaming NSW explained.
“This company tried to attract a new customer base and establish a significant market share with promotions that we consider crossed the line, using inducements that had the potential to cause harm to the community,” said Liquor & Gaming NSW Executive Director Regulatory Operations & Enforcement, Jane Lin.
“In many cases, such promotions can only be legally offered to betting account holders who, unlike the general public, have made a conscious decision to open an account and receive this information.
“Wagering operators can legally advertise their products in a variety of ways but they can’t advertise or promote inducements such as offers of enhanced odds or bonus bets to entice people to open a betting account.”
Separately, another wagering company, SportChamps, has been fined AU$40,000 (US$27,100) and ordered to pay AU$14,000 (US$9,500) in costs after being found guilty of posting illegal gambling advertisements on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and on its website.
“Gambling operators like SportChamps that try to get around these restrictions are acting unlawfully and increase the risks of gambling harms,” Lin said.
“Offering free bets on Facebook and Instagram, including a refer a friend promotion, shows a complete disregard for the rules and the well-being of those in our community who didn’t consent to receive gambling advertising.
“Liquor & Gaming NSW has a zero-tolerance approach to the publication of illegal gambling inducements and we will continue to proactively monitor television, radio, print and online gambling advertising to ensure all providers are complying with the restrictions in the Betting and Racing Act 1998.”
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