Australian advertising watchdog warns Nine over gambling breach

The Australian advertising watchdog, ACMA, has told The Nine Network to educate staff regarding rules relating to gambling ads.

Australia.- The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has warned The Nine Network over a breach of gambling advertising rules.

The company breached local rules by airing ads during the pre-game programming for State of Origin Games 1 and 2 on 9Now, its streaming platform.

After a thorough investigation, the Australian advertising watchdog found enough evidence to warn Nine over the gambling content displayed.

It issued Nine with a remedial direction requiring it to conduct staff training on the rules for gambling advertising on online platforms.

It will also have to submit two written reports to prove compliance with the rules over the next year.

Should Nine not comply with the order, the ACMA would set a fine of up to €222,000.

ACMA Chair, Nerida O’Loughlin, reiterated the regulations that prohibit gambling advertising during live sport streamed online between 5.00am and 8.30pm.

“I hope this sends a message to all streaming services that this is something they need to get right,” O’Loughlin said.

“One of the reasons these rules are in place is to allow families to watch live sport without exposing children to gambling,” she added