Foxtel found in breach of gambling ad rules

Nathan Jolly

March 7, 2025 10:32

Foxtel found in breach of gambling ad rules

Foxtel ran afoul of the gambling advertising rules during the broadcast of an AFL match last season.

This well-timed ruling comes as Foxtel’s new AFL rights deal kicks into gear with the start of the new season.

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) found a virtual banner promoting a gambling company appeared during Foxtel’s coverage of an April 2024 match-up between Port Adelaide and Essendon. The virtual banner “failed to include an adequate responsible gambling message”, according to the ACMA’s investigation.

Under the code of practice for subscription TV, all gambling advertisements shown during broadcasts of live sport must be accompanied by a responsible gambling message.

ACMA member Carolyn Lidgerwood said “these messages must emphasise 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.”

The ACMA said the broadcaster “acted quickly to ensure a responsible gambling tagline was added to the advertisement” once it was alerted of the incident.

Foxtel has agreed to further staff training on the regulatory requirements, and will report back to ACMA on its progress.

A Foxtel spokesperson told Mumbrella: “We take our obligations regarding betting and wagering advertising seriously, and continue to work collaboratively with the ACMA and advertisers in this regard.”