NSW Wagering Operator Fined Over Illegal Gambling Ads

The posts featured a picture of a rugby league player with a bag of white powder, as well as pornographic imagery and slogans. The wagering operator, Ryman Racing Pty Ltd, has been convicted of breaches of gambling advertising laws and fined $60,000.

Under the Act, gambling ads that are accessible to persons in NSW must comply with strict requirements designed to protect the community from inappropriate content and potential gambling harm. 

The magistrate at the Downing Centre Local Court determined that the posts failed to meet standards of decency, dignity and good taste.

Liquor & Gaming NSW Acting Executive Director of Regulatory Operations, Bernadette Beard, emphasised the need to follow state gambling advertising laws, noting this is the first breach in NSW. 

“[T]his is a serious penalty,” she said. “I would urge betting providers take note and ensure the standards in the Act are being met in their advertising.”

Clubs should be aware that the Gaming Machines Act 2001 also prohibits gaming machine advertisements outside a club and on social media, with a penalty of $11,000 for breaches. 

Additionally, Liquor & Gaming NSW recently updated liquor promotion guidelines to include information on the harms associated with the promotion of liquor in the online sales environment, detailed in Circular 25-033.

This decision highlights the importance of understanding and complying with online liquor and gambling advertising regulations in NSW. 

If you have any questions, please contact ClubASSIST on 1300 730 001 or [email protected].