In a significant regulatory action, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has issued a formal warning to Network Ten following a breach of gambling advertising regulations. The breach occurred on October 14, 2023, during two high-profile live-streamed sports events on Network Ten’s streaming service, 10 Play.

ACMA Issues Formal Warning to Network Ten for Gambling Advertisement Breach on 10 Play

Overview of the Regulatory Breach

On October 14, 2023, Network Ten’s streaming service, 10 Play, was found to have violated Australian gambling advertising regulations during two live sports broadcasts. The affected events were:

• The A-League Women’s match between Central Coast Mariners and Newcastle Jets
• The Socceroos’ friendly match against England

During these broadcasts, gambling advertisements were aired outside the legally permitted times. According to Australian regulations, online content providers are prohibited from displaying gambling ads during live sports events between 5:00am and 8:30pm, including the five minutes before and after the event.

ACMA’s Investigation and Findings

The ACMA’s investigation into the incident was initiated following a viewer complaint. The investigation confirmed that gambling ads were shown during prohibited times, thus breaching the regulatory framework. The ACMA’s scrutiny highlights its ongoing commitment to enforcing compliance with gambling advertisement regulations, which are designed to minimize exposure to gambling promotions during times when they are deemed most impactful.

Network Ten’s Response to the Breach

Network Ten acknowledged the breach and attributed it to an error in its manual coding process. The network has since implemented measures to prevent future occurrences. This includes:

• Upgrading its scheduling systems: Network Ten has incorporated more automated processes to enhance the accuracy of advertisement scheduling.
• Reviewing compliance protocols: The network is reassessing its procedures to ensure adherence to regulatory requirements in all future broadcasts.

This incident marks the first instance of Network Ten violating gambling advertisement rules during live sports broadcasts. The network’s prompt response and cooperation with the ACMA’s investigation reflect its commitment to rectifying the issue and preventing future breaches.

Regulatory Framework for Gambling Advertisements

Australian regulations on gambling advertisements are stringent, aimed at protecting viewers from excessive exposure to gambling promotions. Key aspects of the regulatory framework include:

• Time Restrictions: Gambling ads are prohibited during live sports broadcasts between 5:00am and 8:30pm, including the five minutes before and after the event. This rule is intended to limit exposure to gambling ads during peak viewing times.
• Content Restrictions: Advertisements must adhere to specific content guidelines, ensuring they do not target minors or misrepresent the risks associated with gambling.
• Enforcement and Penalties: The ACMA monitors compliance and enforces regulations through investigations and penalties for breaches.

ACMA’s Ongoing Efforts in Regulating Gambling Content

The ACMA has been actively involved in regulating gambling-related content in Australia. Since 2019, the authority has:

• Blocked over 1,026 illegal gambling websites: These sites operate in violation of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001, which aims to protect Australian consumers from unregulated gambling services.
• Taken action against illegal offshore gambling services: The ACMA continues to target and shut down illegal gambling operations that undermine Australian regulations.

These efforts reflect the ACMA’s commitment to maintaining a safe and regulated gambling environment in Australia.

Implications for Network Ten and the Industry

For Network Ten, this breach serves as a critical reminder of the importance of strict compliance with advertising regulations. The implementation of automated systems and enhanced review processes will likely mitigate the risk of future violations.

For the broader industry, the incident underscores the need for vigilance in adhering to gambling advertising rules. Content providers must continuously review and update their compliance practices to align with regulatory standards.

Conclusion: The Warning

The formal warning issued to Network Ten by the ACMA underscores the importance of adhering to gambling advertisement regulations. With the breach occurring during two significant live sports events, Network Ten’s response and subsequent measures highlight its commitment to rectifying the issue and ensuring future compliance. The ACMA’s proactive approach in regulating gambling content serves as a model for other content providers to follow, emphasizing the need for rigorous adherence to advertising standards.

FAQs About ACMA Issues Formal Warning to Network Ten for Gambling Advertisement Breach on 10 Play

1. What was the reason for the ACMA’s warning to Network Ten?

The ACMA issued a formal warning to Network Ten because its streaming service, 10 Play, breached gambling advertising regulations during two live-streamed sports events on October 14, 2023. Gambling ads were shown outside the legally permitted times during these broadcasts.

2. Which events were involved in the breach?

The breach occurred during the A-League Women’s match between Central Coast Mariners and Newcastle Jets, and the Socceroos’ friendly match against England.

3. What are the Australian regulations on gambling advertisements during live sports broadcasts?

Australian regulations prohibit online content providers from displaying gambling ads during live sports broadcasts between 5:00am and 8:30pm, including the five minutes before and after the event.

4. How did Network Ten respond to the breach?

Network Ten attributed the breach to an error in its manual coding process. The network has since upgraded its systems to include more automated processes for scheduling advertisements and is reviewing its compliance protocols.

5. What steps has Network Ten taken to prevent future breaches?

Network Ten has implemented automated scheduling systems and is reassessing its compliance procedures to ensure adherence to regulatory requirements in all future broadcasts.

6. What triggered the ACMA’s investigation into Network Ten?

The investigation was triggered by a viewer’s complaint regarding the airing of gambling advertisements during prohibited times.

7. What actions has the ACMA taken to regulate gambling content in Australia?

The ACMA has blocked over 1,026 illegal gambling websites since 2019, targeting unregulated offshore gambling services and taking action against entities that violate Australian regulations.

8. Why is adherence to gambling advertisement regulations important?

Adherence to these regulations is crucial to minimizing potential harm associated with gambling advertising, particularly during times when viewers are most susceptible to these promotions.

9. What are the potential consequences for Network Ten following this breach?

While the immediate consequence was a formal warning, Network Ten must demonstrate improved compliance to avoid further regulatory actions or penalties in the future.

10. How does the ACMA’s regulation impact the broader industry?

The ACMA’s regulation ensures that all content providers adhere to strict guidelines, promoting a responsible and regulated advertising environment and protecting viewers from excessive exposure to gambling promotions.