The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has determined that Seven Network Operations (Seven) violated online gambling advertising regulations by airing gambling ads outside of specified times during live sports coverage on its streaming platform.
Incident Details:
On December 12, 2022, Seven aired a gambling advertisement at 10:38 am via its streaming service, 7plus, during a live stream of an NFL game.
Previous Warning:
This breach followed a formal warning issued to Seven in October of the same year for a similar incident.
Regulated Timeframes:
Regulations prohibit the display of gambling promotions during live sports streams between 5 am and 8:30 pm, including the five minutes before and after a game.
Penalty Imposed:
As a consequence of the breach, Seven was penalized the maximum fine permitted by the ACMA, amounting to $13,320.
ACMA’s Expectations:
ACMA Chair Nerida O’Loughlin emphasized that broadcasters should have robust systems, processes, and assurance mechanisms to ensure compliance with these laws.
Seven’s Response:
Seven maintained that the streaming of the advertisement was an isolated incident and is implementing additional measures to prevent similar occurrences.
Ongoing Monitoring:
ACMA, in response to repeated breaches by Seven, will closely monitor the network’s adherence to regulations to ensure ongoing compliance.
The ACMA’s decision to penalize Seven for breaching online gambling advertising regulations reinforces the need for broadcasters to adhere to stringent compliance measures. The incident underscores the significance of enforcing regulations to protect viewers, particularly during live sports broadcasts, and emphasizes the importance of continuous monitoring and accountability in the industry.