Australian online sportsbook SportChamps has been handed its sixth fine in as many years for inducing people to gamble and open a betting account.
Liquor & Gaming NSW said the operator was fined AU$17,500 after pleading guilty in Downing Centre Local Court to two offences under the Betting and Racing Act related to advertisements on its website and Facebook pages that stated “Punt for free. Learn the game!” and “Receive a free bet each day”. It is an offence in the state of NSW to publish or offer inducements to open a betting account, refer friends to open betting accounts, keep a betting account open or consent to receive gambling advertising.
Liquor & Gaming NSW Executive Director Regulatory Operations, Jane Lin, noted that SportChamps has previously been convicted for gambling advertising offences on five separate occasions dating back to 2017.
“It’s extremely concerning that this operator has amassed multiple convictions for breaching laws which are in place to protect people from gambling harm,” she said.
“Wagering operators can legally advertise their products in a variety of ways, but they can’t advertise or promote inducements such as offers of increased odds or bonus bets to entice people to open a betting account.
“Offences like these have the potential to undermine the entire regulatory framework, which is why we take a zero-tolerance approach to this type of advertising.”
The regulator explained that SportChamps had tried to attract a new customer base and increase its market share with “no regard for the state’s gambling laws.”
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