ACMA Clarifies Wagering Advertising Regulations for Australian Broadcasters

The Australian Media and Communications Authority (ACMA) is reiterating the regulations surrounding wagering promotions to all Australian broadcast licensees.

This clarification follows observations of uncertainty among broadcasters regarding the application of these regulations.

To reiterate, the 2018 regulations prohibit the display of gambling advertisements during live sporting events between 5 am and 8:30 pm on television, radio, and online platforms. Beyond these hours, the limitations are less stringent.

The ACMA, particularly online, has been monitoring compliance and engaging with providers to ensure comprehension of the regulations’ implications for their gambling advertisement practices.

After a year of observation, the ACMA has not identified significant violations. However, it became evident that interpretations of the regulations varied among providers.

For instance, there were queries regarding exemptions, such as the rule excluding simultaneous online broadcasts of live sports from the advertising restrictions. Additionally, discrepancies were noted in how providers documented their operations.

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has expressed worries about gaps in rules designed to guarantee that niche viewers can watch live sports. These gaps are being utilized, occasionally alongside other exceptions for low-viewership paid television stations.

With a growing number of Australians choosing to stream live sports online, it’s vital to factor in potential digital viewership when evaluating exceptions for conventional television broadcasts. This will guarantee these exceptions are used appropriately, serving genuinely limited audiences and not being leveraged for wider distribution.

Furthermore, ACMA identified discrepancies in the kinds of documentation maintained by various providers. While promoting record maintenance, ACMA stressed the significance of complying with current regulations.