Seven Network FINED by ACMA For Advertising Violations

The Seven Network Operations Ltd (Seven) has reportedly breached online content rules and regulations by running gambling advertising outside the allowed times outlined by the ACMA. The rules in place do not allow for gambling advertisements during live sporting events between 5am and 8:30pm.

The Seven Network has been fined $13,320 by the ACMA for this breach of advertising rules regarding advertisements broadcasted during a live sporting event throughout Australia.

The ACMA Regulates Gambling and Communications

The ACMA is tasked with enforcing all of the rules and regulations in the Interactive Gambling Act 2001. The IGA was amended back in 2016 to improve the rules and tighten regulations regarding online gambling.

The ACMA enforces gambling, advertising, and communications laws in Australia

In addition, the ACMA is also responsible for enforcing the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 (the BSA) which relates to advertisements and broadcasting regulations. The ACMA also enforces the Broadcasting Services (Online Content Service Provider Rules) 2018, which more specifically relates to gambling advertisements and potential spam.

What is the Seven Network?

The Seven Network is one of the most prominent television channels in Australia. The network runs numerous news programs, shows sporting events, and hosts a streaming platform called Seven+.

The Seven Network website features 7+, a streaming service and television channel

The Seven Network is also known as Channel Seven or Seven and is a major commercial free-to-air television network primarily. Seven is one of five main free-to-air networks in Australia.

As of 2022, Seven is the highest-rated television network in all of Australia. Seven was first launched back in 1956 and is headquartered in Sydney, Australia.

Seven Has Breached Advertising Rules

There are very specific rules in place when it comes to advertising sports betting and gambling services on television and radio in Australia. One of these rules stipulates that advertisers may not advertise gambling services during live sporting broadcasts between the hours of 5am and 8:30pm.

An ACMA investigation revealed that Seven broadcasted a gambling advertisement at 10:38am on their 7plus channel during an NFL football game live stream on Dec. 12, 2022. It turns out that the ACMA had already warned Seven for similar behaviour back in October 2022.

Investigation report regarding Seven Network

As a result, Seven has paid a penalty of $13,320 for the breach, which is the maximum amount the ACMA is able to penalise in these circumstances. This penalty equates to 60 penalty units of $222 each for a grand total of $13,320.

ACMA Chair Comments on the Fine

Nerida O'Loughlin is the Chair of the ACMA, and she expressed that the Australian public is concerned about the level of exposure to gambling advertising during live sports coverage.

Chairwoman O'Loughlin had the following comments regarding this recent fine:

The ACMA expects broadcasters to have robust systems and processes and associated assurance mechanisms in place to support compliance with these laws.

Seven has told us that the measures it has in place are adequate to ensure future compliance and it does not need to do more. Following repeated breaches by Seven, we will continue to closely monitor their compliance with the rules to make sure that is the case.

Nerida O'Loughlin, the Chair of the ACMA

The ACMA Refuses to Back Down

Over the past few years, the ACMA has been cracking down on supposedly illegal gambling operations and advertisements with great consistency. Less than a month ago, the agency issued a formal warning to Best Bookies for providing unapproved gambling services to Australians. Earlier this year, the ACMA fined BetDeluxe more than $50,000 for sending SMS message advertisements.

The ACMA has also been blocking access to supposedly illegal online gambling sites with great consistency. Last month, the ACMA blocked BetUS and Wild Blaster Casino. Back in September, the agency blocked five more gambling sites including Comic Play Casino.

Gambling is Still Available in Australia

Although the ACMA has certainly tried to reduce the number of gambling operations catering to Australians, there are still plenty of trusted and reliable options for casino gambling and online poker.

Sports bettors in Australia may want to head over to BUSR.ag. BUSR welcomes Australian players and features an excellent sportsbook and racebook. Please feel free to click the button below to get started at BUSR today.

Online poker players will have to look elsewhere, though, as BUSR does not offer ring poker games. For more information about the best online poker sites, feel free to browse over to this Australian internet poker guide.