Unibet slapped with $60,000 fine for NSW advertising violations
Unibet, operating under the name BetChoice, has been slammed with a $60,000 fine by the Downing Centre Local Court for breaching advertising regulations in New South Wales.
The penalty comes after the gambling operator was found guilty of enticing players within the state with special gambling products, a violation that drew the attention of Liquor and Gaming NSW.
The investigation focused on Unibet promotions that enticed individuals to participate in gambling activities and open betting accounts through various inducements. These promotions included the use of “price push” offers, which involved enhanced or special odds to attract potential gamblers.
In NSW, the Betting and Racing Act prevents online bookmakers from offering any promotions that are meant to encourage frequent participation in gambling or opening new wagering accounts.
Unibet pleaded guilty to two offences under Section 33H(1) of the Act and were fined $30,000 per offence. Additionally, Unibet was instructed to cover the gambling regulator’s costs.
Liquor & Gaming NSW Executive Director of Regulatory Operations and Enforcement Jane Line stressed the importance of gambling operators adhering to advertising laws in the state.
“Betting operators have an obligation to ensure that all advertising complies with NSW laws on gambling advertising,” she said.
Lin added that betting inducements are known to increase the risks associated with gambling harm, making any breaches of regulations a serious matter.
The advertisements that formed the basis of the case were specifically designed to entice individuals to engage with gambling products by offering special or enhanced odds. This type of promotion directly violates the legislation in place to protect consumers.
This is not the first time that Unibet has faced penalties for illegal advertising practices in NSW. In July 2021, the betting operator received a fine of $48,000 for publishing three unlawful gambling advertisements.
