The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) recently found Foxtel Cable Television Pty Limited in violation of gambling advertisement regulations during its coverage of an Australian Football League (AFL) match in April 2024. The breach involved displaying a gambling operator’s virtual banner without an appropriate responsible gambling message, contravening the stipulated requirements for gambling ads in live sports broadcasts.
ACMA emphasized the necessity of including responsible gambling messages with any gambling-related advertisement during live sporting events to alert viewers to the potential risks associated with gambling. Merely displaying an “18+” logo was deemed insufficient as a responsible gambling message. In response to the breach, Foxtel promptly added the required responsible gambling message to the advertisement and committed to educating its staff further on the regulatory obligations related to gambling advertisements.
While Foxtel did not face financial penalties for the violation, ACMA directed the broadcaster to take corrective actions and implement internal reforms to prevent future breaches. This incident is part of a pattern of regulatory enforcement by ACMA, which has recently scrutinized other broadcasters for similar violations. The authority’s strict enforcement aims to uphold ethical advertising standards, particularly concerning gambling promotions.
Foxtel, a joint venture between News Corp Australia and Telstra, is a major player in Australian subscription television. Despite this breach, Foxtel has not been fined, highlighting the importance for broadcasters to comply with advertising regulations, especially in sensitive areas like gambling promotion. As ACMA continues its stringent oversight, broadcasters must ensure compliance to avoid regulatory repercussions and uphold advertising standards.