How Australian TV channels regulate online casino advertising
In Australia, including Queensland, online casino advertising on television is regulated by the federal Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA) and broadcast codes approved by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). Since online casinos without an Australian license are banned, their advertising on television is also completely banned.
1. Federal gambling advertising requirements
IGA prohibits the promotion of interactive gambling services that do not have a license recognized in Australia.
Advertising of any online casinos, poker, virtual slot machines and games with live dealers falls under the ban.
Exceptions apply to licensed sports betting and lotteries.
2. Role of ACMA
Monitors compliance with the rules by advertisers and broadcasters.
May impose fines and revoke TV channel licenses for systematic violations.
Publishes guides for broadcasters on permissible and prohibited types of gambling advertising.
3. Broadcast codes
Australian television stations are required to follow the Commercial Television Industry Code of Practice, which:
4. Responsibility of TV channels
For displaying advertisements for illegal online casinos, the fine can reach $1,665,000 AUD for the company.
Violation of broadcasting rules may lead to a temporary suspension or revocation of the broadcasting license.
ACMA monitors the broadcast and responds to viewer complaints.
5. Ad blocking practice
Advertising materials related to offshore online casinos are automatically rejected by the compliance departments of TV channels.
The use of veiled forms of promotion (program sponsorship, hidden integrations) is also prohibited and entails sanctions.
6. Final conclusion
In Queensland and across Australia, online casino advertising on TV is banned unless the operator has an Australian licence, which in the case of private casinos is effectively excluded. Compliance with the rules is monitored by ACMA and the TV channels themselves through internal compliance services. Violation of the ban entails serious financial and reputational consequences for the broadcaster.
1. Federal gambling advertising requirements
IGA prohibits the promotion of interactive gambling services that do not have a license recognized in Australia.
Advertising of any online casinos, poker, virtual slot machines and games with live dealers falls under the ban.
Exceptions apply to licensed sports betting and lotteries.
2. Role of ACMA
Monitors compliance with the rules by advertisers and broadcasters.
May impose fines and revoke TV channel licenses for systematic violations.
Publishes guides for broadcasters on permissible and prohibited types of gambling advertising.
3. Broadcast codes
Australian television stations are required to follow the Commercial Television Industry Code of Practice, which:
- prohibits the display of gambling ads during children's programs;
- restricts the broadcast of advertising before and after sporting events, especially during the morning and afternoon hours;
- requires gambling ads to be accompanied by a risk warning and information about support services.
4. Responsibility of TV channels
For displaying advertisements for illegal online casinos, the fine can reach $1,665,000 AUD for the company.
Violation of broadcasting rules may lead to a temporary suspension or revocation of the broadcasting license.
ACMA monitors the broadcast and responds to viewer complaints.
5. Ad blocking practice
Advertising materials related to offshore online casinos are automatically rejected by the compliance departments of TV channels.
The use of veiled forms of promotion (program sponsorship, hidden integrations) is also prohibited and entails sanctions.
6. Final conclusion
In Queensland and across Australia, online casino advertising on TV is banned unless the operator has an Australian licence, which in the case of private casinos is effectively excluded. Compliance with the rules is monitored by ACMA and the TV channels themselves through internal compliance services. Violation of the ban entails serious financial and reputational consequences for the broadcaster.
