Illegitimate Gambling Promos on Optus Sport
Criticism levied against a streaming service provider in Australia for promoting gambling within sports venues.
Based on a report in The Guardian [English link], investigative journalist and gambling researcher Jack Kerr lodged a complaint with the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) against streaming service Optus Sport. Kerr claims that illicit gambling advertisements were flashed throughout the live broadcast of the Aston Villa vs. Manchester City match, which took place in December 2021.
Targeted advertising for gambling is illegal in Australia. There have been discussions about imposing a complete advertising ban for gambling companies altogether. However, there's a loophole where the ads are considered incidental as long as they're not prominent. Kerr argues that these ads displayed on large billboards inside the stadium did not fit into that category. He asserted this point during his complaint to the ACMA:
"These ads are not incidental. [...] Their prominence makes that clear. Digital double-decker billboards situated around the venue and promoting a product that Australians can access cannot be deemed incidental. They are designed to captivate viewers and draw them in."– Jack Kerr, Gambling researcher and investigative journalist, The Guardian**
Controversy over Gambling Advertisements in Germany and Britain
Germany and Britain also grapple with the issue of gambling advertisements. For instance, Germany's addiction commissioner, Burkhard Blienert, advocates for a prohibition of sports betting ads during the 2024 UEFA European Football Championship.
The Anti-Sports Betting Advertising Alliance supports a complete ban. The organization sent an open letter calling for a phased advertising ban for gambling providers. In Britain, certain MPs have proposed reducing gambling advertising within English stadiums.
Optus Sport's Response to the Allegations
Optus Sport responded to the accusations made by Jack Kerr by denying all claims of unlawful gambling advertisements. A representative for the streaming service stated that Optus Sport adheres to all Australian laws and regulations.
Additionally, they highlighted exemptions for advertising in the realm of sports and the common practice of broadcasting live streams from stadiums to Australian viewers without prior editing.
The controversy surrounding gambling advertisements has sparked calls for change, with Jack Kerr advocating for a reevaluation of the loophole in Australia that classifies ads as incidental if they're not prominent. This comes after he lodged a complaint to the ACMA against Optus Sport for allegedly displaying illicit gambling advertisements during the live broadcast of a soccer match.
The Anti-Sports Betting Advertising Alliance in Germany supports a phased advertising ban for gambling providers, aligning with the stance of certain MPs in Britain who want to reduce gambling advertising within English stadiums.
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