The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has determined that Seven Network and Nine Network contravened gambling advertising rules by broadcasting gambling promotions during athletic contests.
The ACMA’s inquiry revealed that Seven Network aired 49 gambling promotions during its coverage of the Summer Olympics in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide between July and August 2021. Seven Network also provided commercials during its Olympic broadcasts.
Another investigation conducted by the ACMA also discovered that Nine Network aired a gambling advertisement at 8:21 pm during the intermission of the National Rugby League Grand Final on October 3, 2021.
Regulations put into effect in March 2018 prohibited any gambling advertising on Australian television between 5:00 pm and 8:30 pm during sporting events. This prohibition was extended to streaming services in September of the same year.
Gambling advertisements are permitted to be shown after 8:30 pm, but only during designated breaks. For extended events like the Olympics, broadcasters and streaming service providers are not allowed to air advertisements between 5 minutes before the commencement of the first game of the day and 8:00 pm.
Its three in the afternoon, and no more than once every two hours after that.
Both Seven and Nine have consented to abide by the regulations and collaborate with the ACMA. They will implement procedures to prevent this from recurring and educate their personnel who schedule and broadcast gambling advertisements during athletic events.
Seven and Nine are keeping tabs on complaints regarding gambling advertisements and their responses. Both broadcasters are required to inform the ACMA about the training they provide and the effectiveness of the new systems and practices.
Seven also received a formal reprimand for violating the rules during live broadcasts.
“These regulations are designed to assist individuals who are concerned about encountering excessive gambling advertisements,” stated ACMA Chair Nerida O’Loughlin. “Both Seven and Nine were aware of the necessity to restrict these advertisements to specific times,” Ms. O’Loughlin said.
“Numerous families enjoy watching sports together, and parents are concerned that children witnessing these advertisements could normalize gambling in sports.
“It’s disheartening that both networks failed to fulfill their responsibilities during such significant sporting events.”
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