Seven Network fined by the ACMA

The Seven Network has been fined $13,320 by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) for repeated breaches of a ban on gambling advertising during live sports events.

Previously Seven had already received a warning from the ACMA after airing 49 betting promotions during the coverage of the Olympics.

However, despite the warning Seven displayed a gambling advertisement during a live stream of an NFL American Football match at 10.38 a.m. on 7plus on December 12, 2022. 

The ACMA prohibits gambling promotions during live sports streams between 5 am and 8:30 pm, which, includes five minutes before and after the event.

Seven has claimed that this was an isolated incident and would not be repeated with ACM stating:

“Seven has told us that the measures it has in place are adequate to ensure future compliance and it does not need to do more.”

SBS stance

Conversely, SBS has become the first broadcaster to offer viewers the chance to block gambling ads.

SBS on demand will allow viewers to opt out of advertisements in several categories, including gambling, alcohol, and fast food.

The move by SBS aims to give viewers more control over the ads they see while also ensuring advertisers target a receptive audience.

ACMA aims

The ACMA’s chair, Nerida O’Loughlin, has emphasised the need for broadcasters to have robust systems and processes to comply with advertising regulations.

O’Loughlin stated:

“ACMA expects broadcasters to have robust systems and processes and associated assurance mechanisms in place to support compliance with these laws.”

The regulator has reported more than a million gambling ads on free-to-air TV and radio in 12 months, with an estimated $238 million spent on campaigns to attract bettors. 

In lieu of this, the federal government is considering a recommendation to ban all gambling advertising from online bookmakers within three years. 

The government is particularly concerned with the numerous sources that prove the systematic perpetuation of community harm.

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