Australian bookmaker Betr fined over the 100-1 promotion

Australian sports betting company Betr has been hit with a record-breaking fine of AU$210,000 (US$142,500) by New South Wales’ gambling regulator Liquor & Gaming NSW for violating the state’s betting laws in its advertising material during its launch in October 2022. The company was said to have offered almost unbelievable odds in the hopes of luring customers to its side.

According to Liquor and Gaming NSW, Betr promoted odds of 100-1 and 20-1 for every $10 bets on major Australian sporting and racing events, including the Melbourne Cup and Cox Plate, as well as NRL and AFL markets. These odds were heavily advertised through various media channels, including newspapers, radio, television, and online media.

According to the regulator’s investigations, the ads brought in many customers for the company and were against NSW laws prohibiting the advertisement of any inducement to participate in a gambling activity, including enticing people to open a betting account or place bets more frequently. The regulator issued 14 penalty infringement notices, totaling AU$210,000, which Betr has opted to pay. This is the largest ever fine issued to a wagering operator for offering inducements in NSW.

Recall that Betr was also awarded a fine of $75,000 by Northern Territory Racing Commission in February for advertising to self-excluded individuals.

Jane Lin, Executive Director Regulatory Operations & Enforcement at Liquor & Gaming NSW, said that Betr attempted to attract a new customer base and establish a significant market share through promotions that crossed the line and had the potential to cause harm to the community. She added that such promotions could only be legally offered to betting account holders who have made a conscious decision to open an account and receive this information. Wagering operators are allowed to advertise their products in various ways, but they are not permitted to promote inducements such as offers of enhanced odds or bonus bets to encourage people to open a betting account.

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Meanwhile, a Betr spokesperson has come out to denounce the decision of the regulator claiming that it did nothing wrong by offering such odds.

“We offered and advertised the $100-1 Melbourne Cup market in accordance with the law and entirely consistent with the guidance published by Liquor and Gaming NSW which clearly indicated this conduct was legal,” the spokesperson said.

“Whilst we cooperated fully with Liquor and Gaming, we do not accept, and have made no admissions to breaching NSW law. Our decision not to challenge the penalty notices was made to resolve the matter amicably.”

Separately, another wagering company, SportChamps, has been fined AU$40,000 (US$27,100) and ordered to pay AU$14,000 (US$9,500) in costs after being found guilty of posting illegal gambling advertisements on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and its website.

Responding to that, Lin stated gambling operators who attempt to circumvent these restrictions are acting unlawfully and increasing the risks of gambling harms. She added that offering free bets on Facebook and Instagram, including a refer-a-friend promotion, demonstrates a complete disregard for the rules and the well-being of those in the community who did not consent to receive gambling advertising.

Liquor & Gaming NSW has a zero-tolerance approach to the publication of illegal gambling inducements and will continue to proactively monitor television, radio, print, and online gambling advertising to ensure that all providers comply with the restrictions in the Betting and Racing Act 1998.

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