ACMA issues guidance on wagering advertising triple lock
The guidance explains how online content providers can meet the exception’s requirements ahead of Australia’s new restrictions.
Key takeaways:
- ACMA has published initial guidance on the triple lock exception for wagering advertising.
- New restrictions will take effect on January 1, 2027.
- Providers must prevent restricted users from receiving wagering advertising content.
- Individuals receiving the content must be using a registered account and be able to opt out.
- ACMA plans to publish a list of providers that have implemented the triple lock.
Australia.- The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has published initial industry guidance for online content service providers on the new “triple lock” exception for wagering advertising. The guidance comes ahead of the implementation of new restrictions from January 1, 2027, which prohibiting online content service providers from making wagering advertising content available on their services, subject to certain exceptions.
Under the triple lock exception, providers may continue to provide such content if they take reasonable steps to meet three requirements. They must prevent restricted users from accessing or receiving wagering advertising content, ensure that individuals receiving the content are using a registered account and allow registered account holders to opt out of receiving it.
The new framework defines a restricted user as an individual in Australia who is under 18, has not confirmed their age, is not using a registered account or has opted out of receiving wagering advertising content through a provider’s opt-out mechanism or, once operational, the Wagering Advertising Opt-out Register.
According to ACMA, the initial guidance is intended to help online content service providers identify the reasonable steps they could take when relying on the exception. It also outlines the regulator’s approach to assessing whether those steps are considered reasonable.
ACMA plans to publish a list of online content service providers that have implemented the triple lock, allowing consumers to identify participating services. Providers intending to rely on the exception have been encouraged to notify ACMA. The regulator said this would enable them to receive updates directly regarding the development of the Wagering Advertising Opt-out Register.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
- What is Australia’s triple lock exception for wagering advertising? The triple lock exception allows online content service providers to offer wagering advertising if they take reasonable steps to prevent restricted users from receiving it, require recipients to use registered accounts and provide an opt-out option.
- When do Australia’s new wagering advertising restrictions take effect? The new restrictions are scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2027, subject to the exceptions set out in the regulatory framework.
- Who is considered a restricted user under the triple lock framework? A restricted user includes someone in Australia who is under 18, has not confirmed their age, is not using a registered account or has opted out of receiving wagering advertising content.
- What is the Wagering Advertising Opt-out Register? The Wagering Advertising Opt-out Register is a planned mechanism referenced by ACMA through which individuals will be able to opt out of receiving wagering advertising content once it becomes operational.
