How ACMA regulates bonus policy

The Australian Communications and Media Commission (ACMA) regulates licensed casinos under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 and the national player rights strategy. One of the key areas of work is to control the bonus policy in order to eliminate misleading offers and protect users from unfair wagering conditions.

1. Principles of bonus regulation

The ACMA sets mandatory standards that licensed casinos must meet:
  • Full transparency of bonus terms until activation.
  • Prohibition of hidden requirements for wagering and restrictions.
  • Mandatory indication of the duration of the bonus and the exact size of the vager.
  • Compliance of the bonus policy with the principles of Responsible Gambling.

2. Prohibited practices in bonus offers

Concealment or veiled reporting of vager information.
Conditions that make meeting the requirements almost impossible (for example, a vager above 50x).
Withdrawal limit not specified in the rules.
The use of aggressive marketing that encourages excessive play.

3. Mandatory requirements for advertising bonuses

All bonus offers in advertising materials must be accompanied by key conditions: the size of the vager, the period of the wagering, restrictions on bets.
You cannot specify only the bonus amount without explaining the conditions.
Advertising should not be aimed at minors and people with gambling addiction.

4. Bonus Policy Compliance Check

ACMA regularly conducts:
  • Audit of advertising campaigns and casino sites.
  • Verification of compliance with the conditions in advertising materials and on official resources.
  • Addressing player complaints about hidden bonus terms.

5. Sanctions for breaking the rules

Financial penalties that can reach millions of dollars.
Mandatory change or cancellation of an unfair bonus program.
Suspension or revocation of license in case of systematic violations.

6. Recommendations to players

Compare bonus offers from different licensed operators.
Contact ACMA when inconsistencies between advertising and real conditions are identified.

Conclusion
The ACMA's bonus policy regulation protects gamblers from unfair terms and encourages casinos to provide transparent and honest offers. Licensed operators are required to clearly indicate vagers, wagering deadlines and restrictions, and failure to comply with these rules threatens with serious sanctions.