Foxtel Warned by ACMA Over Gambling Ad Breach

Australia’s media watchdog has issued a formal warning to Foxtel after the broadcaster violated gambling ad regulations.

The breach occurred during a live AFL match, with a betting promotion failing to include adequate responsible gambling messaging.

This marks the second time in recent weeks that ACMA has taken action against a major broadcaster over gambling ad compliance.

With stricter enforcement in place, broadcasters must ensure compliance or risk more severe penalties in the future.

Foxtel Faces ACMA Warning Over Gambling Ad Breach in AFL Broadcast

Key Points:

• Foxtel breached ACMA regulations by airing a gambling ad without adequate responsible gambling messaging during a live AFL match.
• The broadcaster swiftly responded by updating the ad and committing to further staff training on gambling ad compliance.
• ACMA has recently warned multiple broadcasters, reinforcing stricter oversight on gambling advertisements in live sports.

ACMA Warns Foxtel Over Responsible Gambling Breach

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has issued a formal warning to Foxtel Cable Television for breaching gambling advertising regulations during a live AFL broadcast.

The violation occurred during a match between Port Adelaide and Essendon in April 2024, when a virtual banner promoting a gambling operator appeared on-screen. According to ACMA’s investigation, the ad failed to meet responsible gambling messaging requirements outlined in Section 3.12 of the Commercial Television Industry Code of Practice.

Australian gambling laws require that all gambling-related advertisements displayed during live sports broadcasts must carry clear responsible gambling messaging. Simply displaying an 18+ logo does not meet compliance standards.

Foxtel’s violation adds to ACMA’s ongoing crackdown on gambling ad breaches by major broadcasters.

Foxtel’s Response and ACMA’s Stance

Following the ACMA investigation, Foxtel took immediate action to address the issue. The broadcaster:

• Added a responsible gambling message to the virtual banner.
  Committed to further staff training on gambling ad regulations.
  Agreed to report back to ACMA on steps taken to prevent future violations.

ACMA Authority Member Carolyn Lidgerwood emphasized the importance of compliance, stating:

“Messages must emphasize the potential harms and risks of gambling if it is not undertaken responsibly. An 18+ logo on its own is not an adequate responsible gambling message.”

ACMA’s Crackdown on Gambling Ads Continues

Foxtel is not the only broadcaster facing scrutiny over gambling ad breaches.

• In February, ACMA warned Network 10 after the broadcaster aired four gambling ads during a Formula One Grand Prix stream at prohibited times.
• Network 10’s 10 Play streaming service was also reprimanded in August 2023 for violating online gambling ad rules during live sports events.
• Australia’s strict gambling ad regulations prohibit gambling ads from airing during sports events between 5:00 AM and 8:30 PM—including five minutes before and after the event.

With ACMA ramping up enforcement, broadcasters must ensure full compliance to avoid further penalties.

What’s Next for Foxtel and the Industry?

Foxtel has taken corrective action, but future breaches could result in heavier penalties.

Broadcasters must ensure all gambling ads include legally required responsible gambling messaging.

ACMA is intensifying oversight, meaning stricter compliance measures are now more critical than ever.

With gambling ad regulations under tighter scrutiny, Australia’s media landscape is set for increased enforcement and accountability.