TEN Rebuked for Airing Gambling Ads During F1 Grand Prix
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has found Network Ten in breach of broadcasting rules for airing gambling advertisements during the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix in March last year.
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:The ACMA investigation uncovered that four gambling ads were broadcast during prohibited hours on the first practice round of the Grand Prix.
The Commercial TV Code of Practice prohibits the airing of gambling promotions during sports broadcasts from 5 am to 8:30 pm, including the five minutes before and after the event. The rules governing gambling ads during motorsports main events also apply to practice and qualifying rounds.
Network 10 attributed the broadcasts to human error. Following the ACMA’s findings, it strengthened its ad scheduling process and has also agreed to conduct a review of its processes to improve its quality control measures.
To prevent similar incidents, Network 10 will implement staff training programs and submit a written progress report to the ACMA.
Broadcasters should have strict controls in place to ensure compliance with the restrictions on gambling ads during sporting events. The ACMA will closely monitor these actions and Network Ten’s compliance with the broadcasting and online gambling advertising rules.
More Regulation News
10 Play’s Similar Breaches
While this is the first time Network 10 will be breaching the gambling advertising rules in the Code, its streaming service 10 Play was reprimanded for similar violations in 2024.
The ACMA ruled that 10 Play violated online gambling advertising regulations during the live streaming of two sports events. Viewers complained about seeing several gambling ads from different companies during the live streams of the A-League Women's match between Central Coast Mariners and Newcastle Jets and the international friendly between the Socceroos and England on October 14, 2023.
ACMA Blocks Unlicensed Sites
In addition to its broadcasting oversight role, the ACMA is actively pursuing enforcement action against unlicensed online gambling operators targeting Australian residents. Last December, the Authority directed ISPs to block access to six websites violating the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.
The websites, namely, Eddy Vegas, Lucky Friends, Lucky Ones, MoonWin, Slottie, and SpinsUP were offering online gambling services to Australian customers without proper licenses.
RELATED TOPICS: Regulation
Latest News
Most Read
Must Read
Interviews
Sweepstakes Casinos: Thriving in an Ever-Changing Industry – Interview with Attorney Stephen C. Piepgrass
Feb 17, 2025
Interviews
Review this New Post
Leave a Comment
User Comments
Comments for TEN Rebuked for Airing Gambling Ads During F1 Grand Prix