Regulatory Crackdown in New South Wales: Bet Right Fined for Breaching Gambling Advertising Rules

A regulatory sweep has swept across the gambling landscape in New South Wales, as reported earlier by SiGMA News, leading to a significant fine for Bet Right (IRPSX PTY Ltd) due to a breach of advertising regulations. The operator has been penalized AU$20,000 by Liquor & Gaming New South Wales (NSW) for offering boosted odds to consumers within the state.

The violation is in direct contradiction to the Betting and Racing Act, which strictly prohibits gambling inducement. Consequently, the Sydney Downing Centre Local Court has imposed this penalty fine on Bet Right as a result of the regulatory investigation's findings. Notably, the operator was acquitted on three other charges, which remain undisclosed at this time.

Liquor & Gaming NSW has strongly opposed gambling-related advertising infringements since 2016. Over this period, fines related to such infringements have amounted to a staggering $1.1 million. It's noteworthy that these penalties, while substantial, have included both penalty fines totaling $830,000 and penalty infringement notices amounting to an additional $270,000.

Betr, which has received 14 penalty infringement notices, is prominent among the operators facing regulatory actions, culminating in a record-breaking $210,000 in penalties in April of the current year alone. SportsChamps, another operator, has been fined $40,000 along with $14,000 in costs for a separate breach of NSW gaming laws, further highlighting the stringent enforcement measures.

Liquor & Gaming NSW shows no signs of easing its regulatory efforts. The agency maintains its commitment to monitoring television, print, and social media for illegal gambling advertising. With a focus on advocacy for higher penalties through court actions, the regulator aims to deter non-compliant practices within the industry.

These fines align with a broader push for gaming reform in New South Wales. The region has established an independent panel to oversee these reforms, including the implementation of a cashless trial for electric gaming machines (EGMs). Additionally, measures such as the ban on external gaming room signage effective from September 1st and the reduction of poker machine entitlement caps by approximately $3,000 reflect the ongoing efforts to promote responsible gaming practices.

The legislative reforms also extend to political donations, as new laws will prevent clubs with poker machines across NSW from making such contributions. As the regulatory landscape evolves, the gambling industry in New South Wales faces a paradigm shift toward accountability, transparency, and compliance.