SEN+ at fault over gambling ad rules during Australian Open

An investigation by the ACMA has found SEN+ has breached gambling advertising rules.

The investigation found SEN+, owned by the Pacific Star Network streamed a gambling promotion during online audio coverage of the Australian Open women’s quarter final on 23 January 2019.

Since September last year all gambling advertisements are banned on streaming services, during live coverage of sport, between 5 am and 8:30 pm.

Rules also prohibit gambling ads five minutes before the scheduled start of the event and five minutes after play ends.

ACMA monitoring found SEN+ streamed a gambling advertisement at 10.58 am just before the 11 am coverage of the Australian Open commenced and Chair Nerida O’Loughlin, says, “Online service providers need to be aware of their obligations.”

“The rules are in place to create a safe zone for children and families as they enjoy live sport broadcast on television or streamed online.”

The breach was the result of an inadvertent error by SEN+ due to an unexpected scheduling delay.

In response, the ACMA has issued a remedial direction to PSN to commission an independent audit of its processes and practices and conduct staff training on the rules to ensure future compliance with the rules.

PSN must, under the remedial direction, formally report to the ACMA on its findings and recommended improvements. Providers face financial penalties if they fail to carry out the requirements of a remedial direction.

PSN has the right to appeal to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal for a review of the ACMA’s decision.

 
 
 

Advertisement

 

Tags: | |