Australian online sports betting operator CrownBet is under investigation by the New South Wales (NSW) gaming watchdog, regarding the use of customer credit as a promotion to incentivize gambling.
Promotion of customer credit, vouchers or sign up rewards are prohibited by NSW regulations. The watchdog is said to be investigating CrownBet NRL and AFL campaign “The Game Just Changed”.
The multi-content advertisement uses the term Every time you place a bet, you’ll earn CrownBet rewards points to redeem at Crown Resorts. There’s nothing like it in sports betting. Start earning now”.
Australian news sources report that the terminology used by Crownbet marketing, breaches current advertising standards set by NSW and The Office of Liquor, Gaming & Racing.
Crownbet have declined to comment on the investigation.
The investigation of Crownbet advertising, comes as the Australian government have been urged to update provisions of its 2001 Online Gambling Act.
Industry stakeholders of Australian gambling laws have pointed that the government needs to redraft its policy in order to keep up with technology advances in the betting markets and new digital consumer habits
CrownBet “The Game Just Changed”