The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has determined that broadcasters Seven Network and Nine Network violated regulations regarding gambling advertising by airing betting promotions during live sporting events. The investigations revealed that Seven aired 49 betting promotions during its coverage of the summer Olympic Games, while Nine broadcast a gambling advert during the half-time break of the National Rugby League grand final.
These breaches have raised concerns about excessive exposure to gambling advertisements and the normalization of betting among viewers, particularly children. In response to the findings, both networks have entered court-enforceable undertakings with the ACMA to implement corrective measures and improve staff training to ensure compliance with the regulations.
Breach of Regulations:
The ACMA investigation revealed that Seven Network aired 49 betting promotions during its broadcasts of the summer Olympic Games in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide. Additionally, the network made these adverts available on its live stream of the Games. Nine Network, on the other hand, aired a gambling advert during the half-time break of the National Rugby League grand final. These actions are in violation of regulations introduced in March 2018, which prohibit gambling advertisements during sports broadcasts on Australian television between 5 am and 8:30 pm. The ban was later extended to streaming services in September of the same year.
Regulations and Restrictions:
Under the current regulations, gambling advertisements are allowed after the 8:30 pm watershed but are subject to specific limitations. For long-form events like the Olympics, broadcasters and streamers must refrain from showing ads from five minutes before the start of the first event of the day until 8:30 pm. Moreover, they are restricted to broadcasting gambling advertisements no more than once every two hours after the watershed. These regulations aim to address community concerns about excessive exposure to betting promotions and protect families who enjoy watching sports together from the normalization of gambling.
Enforcement Measures:
As a result of the ACMA’s investigation, Seven and Nine have each entered court-enforceable undertakings with the authority. These undertakings require the broadcasters to establish systems to prevent future breaches of the regulations and to provide refresher training for staff responsible for scheduling and broadcasting gambling advertisements during sports programming. Both networks are also required to track complaints and responses related to gambling advertisements and report back to the ACMA on the effectiveness of their new systems and practices. Furthermore, Seven Network received a formal warning for its breaches on its live stream.
ACMA’s Statement and Community Concerns:
ACMA Chair Nerida O’Loughlin expressed disappointment in the failure of both networks to adhere to their responsibilities regarding gambling advertisements during high-profile sporting events. O’Loughlin highlighted the community’s concerns about excessive exposure to betting promotions and the potential normalization of gambling for children exposed to such advertisements. The regulations aim to protect vulnerable viewers and ensure that sports remain a shared activity without undue influence from gambling promotions.
The ACMA’s investigation into the breaches of gambling advertising regulations by Seven Network and Nine Network underscores the importance of responsible broadcasting practices. By addressing concerns about excessive exposure to betting promotions, the ACMA aims to protect viewers, particularly children, from the normalization of gambling. The court-enforceable undertakings entered into by the broadcasters will ensure that corrective measures are implemented, staff are appropriately trained, and future compliance with the regulations is maintained. These actions contribute to a safer and more responsible broadcasting environment in Australia, preserving the integrity of sports programming.