Network 10 penalised for gambling ads during F1 broadcast

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has ruled that Network 10 breached gambling advertising regulations during the 2024 Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix.

The breach occurred when four gambling ads encouraging people to sign up with some of the leading bookmakers were aired at prohibited times during the first practice round of the event in March last year.

Under the Commercial TV Code of Practice, gambling ads cannot be broadcast during live sporting events between 5am and 8.30pm, including five minutes before and after the event.

The ACMA investigation confirmed that these ads were shown during the practice round, which falls under the same advertising restrictions as the main race.

ACMA authority member Carolyn Lidgerwood underscored the importance of these rules in protecting the community from gambling-related harms.

Lidgerwood stated that broadcasters should have strict controls in place to ensure compliance with the restrictions on gambling ads during sporting events.

Network 10 attributed the breach to human error and has since taken steps to strengthen its ad scheduling processes.

The broadcaster voluntarily improved its internal planning, checks, and quality control measures and has committed to additional staff training to prevent future breaches.

At ACMA’s request, Network 10 will also provide a written progress report detailing its compliance measures.

A spokesperson for Network 10 stated that the broadcaster assisted the ACMA in understanding how the advertising breach in its television broadcast occurred, adding that it was inadvertent and due to human error.

The spokesperson emphasised that Network 10 takes its advertising obligations seriously and has improved its systems, processes, practices, and staff training in relation to this error.

They also reaffirmed the company’s commitment to continuous review and enhancement to ensure ongoing compliance with advertising rules.

However, a separate ACMA investigation in 2024 found that Network 10’s streaming service, 10 Play, breached online gambling advertising rules during two live-streamed sporting events on October 14, 2023.

These incidents involved the A-League Women’s match between the Central Coast Mariners and Newcastle Jets, as well as a Socceroos friendly against England.

In response, Network 10 stated that the issue was caused by an error in its manual coding process, which has since been upgraded with increased automation to prevent future breaches.

Despite identifying multiple breaches, the ACMA has not imposed severe penalties but will closely monitor Network 10’s compliance with broadcasting and online gambling advertising regulations.

Lidgerwood reiterated that the ACMA will closely monitor these actions and Network 10’s compliance with the broadcasting and online gambling advertising rules.

As part of its corrective measures, Network 10 has pledged ongoing system improvements and staff training to ensure adherence to regulatory standards in the future.

With the 2025 Australian Grand Prix fast approaching, betting markets are beginning to take shape.

McLaren recently released their new MCL39 prototype and with their consistent form from last year, they are currently the top favourites to win in Melbourne with Marantelli Bet.

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