New South Wales authorities have continued their crackdown on illegal gambling advertising this week, as Sportschamps becomes the latest operator to be sanctioned for a deposit bonus promotion published on its site last year.
The advert in question stated that customers would be able to sign up to the site for free, while also adding: “Matched first time deposit bonus up to $50 – Deposit for the first time and we’ll match your deposit with Bonus Cash, up to $50. Keep the winnings from Bonus Cas (sic)”
The investigation was carried out by Liquor & Gaming NSW, a division within the Department of Industry which oversees the development, implementation and integrity of the overall regulatory framework with regard to gaming across the state.
New South Wales law prevents operators from creating and displaying advertisements that display “any inducement to participate, or participate frequently, in any gambling activity (including an inducement to open a betting account)”
Despite Chief Magistrate Graeme Henson ruling that the advert did not result in any customers signing up, Liquor and Gaming NSW issued a fine of AUD$2,500 (£1,359) in addition to incurring AU$3250 in legal costs.
Sean Goodchild, Liquor and Gaming NSW director of compliance operations, commented on the case: “Advertising gambling inducements is unlawful in NSW, and operators who flout or try to get around these restrictions are acting against industry and community interests and increasing risks of gambling harms.”
The regulatory body previously issued a AUS$10,000 (£5350) fine to Australian operator Sportsbet after they were convicted of displaying illicit gambling advertisements on its website.
At the time, it was stated that the fine was put in place to act as a deterrent to other operators. The magistrate detailed: “The NSW Parliament has increased penalties for illegal gambling advertising, and this raised the need for general deterrence.”