Bet Right faces $20,000 fine for illegal gambling ads in NSW
Australian bookmaker Bet Right, operated by IRPSX PTY Ltd, has been fined AU$20,000 by Liquor & Gaming New South Wales (NSW) for violating advertising regulations. The investigation revealed that the company had unlawfully offered boosted odds to punters within the region, contravening the NSW Betting and Racing Act, which prohibits enticing gambling advertisements.
Although three other charges against Bet Right were dismissed, the company’s breach had significant consequences. Liquor & Gaming NSW has maintained a strong stance against such violations, aiming to ensure compliance within the industry. Jane Lin, the Executive Director of Regulatory Operations at Liquor & Gaming NSW, stressed that there’s no justification for wagering companies to promote inducements, emphasising the high risk of detection and prosecution.
This incident is part of a larger trend of regulatory actions against illegal gambling advertising. Since 2016, Liquor & Gaming NSW has imposed over $1.1 million in fines for these violations. The regulator has targeted operators with fines exceeding $830,000 through court proceedings, in addition to issuing penalty infringement notices totaling $270,000.
In light of ongoing reforms, New South Wales is exploring comprehensive changes to its gaming landscape. An independent panel has been convened to advise on potential adjustments, including the implementation of a cashless trial for electronic gaming machines. Furthermore, the state recently prohibited external signage for gaming rooms and banned political donations from venues with pokies machines.
Liquor & Gaming NSW’s vigilance remains unwavering, and the regulator is committed to monitoring various media channels for illegal gambling advertising. Lin emphasised the necessity of higher penalties from the courts to dissuade such violations. Notably, SportsChamps was fined $40,000 earlier this year for breaching NSW gaming laws, highlighting the ongoing efforts to uphold gambling regulations in the state.
