177% up to 5BTC + 77 Free Spins!
New players only. Exclusive Welcome Bonus of 177% + 77 Free Spins
On August 12, the Downing Center Local Court fined PlayUp Interactive, a company that goes by the name Draftstars, a hefty $586,000. The company’s website contained 33 violations of the gambling advertising laws in NSW, which prompted Liquor & Gaming NSW to look into the matter and apply the sanctions.
The court decided that PlayUp Interactive was guilty on all counts related to the illegal ads. Incentives to open new betting accounts and promotions for frequent gambling were included in these ads, both of which are illegal in New South Wales (NSW).
Dimitri Argeres, Director of Compliance & Enforcement at Liquor & Gaming NSW, emphasized the strict regulations surrounding gambling advertisements in NSW. “NSW bans the advertisement of any offer of an inducement to participate in a gambling activity, including an inducement to bet more frequently, to persons who do not hold a betting account with the betting operator,” Mr. Argeres stated.
He explained that while betting operators like PlayUp Interactive are allowed to advertise their services, they cannot promote inducements such as enhanced odds or bonus bets to attract new customers. “Wagering operators like PlayUp Interactive are able to legally advertise their products in a variety of ways, but they can’t advertise or promote inducements such as offers of increased odds or bonus bets to entice people to open a betting account,” Argeres added.
This case underscores Liquor & Gaming NSW’s zero-tolerance stance on illegal gambling advertisements. The agency has made it clear that strict penalties will be imposed for violations. In NSW, it is illegal to offer inducements to open or maintain betting accounts, refer others to do so, or to consent to receive gambling advertising.
Corporations found guilty of publishing prohibited gambling ads face a maximum penalty of $110,000, while individuals can be fined up to $11,000. “It is the responsibility of the betting service provider to ensure prohibited gambling advertising is not published or communicated in NSW,” Mr. Argeres concluded.
Liquor & Gaming NSW’s decisive action in this case highlights the importance of compliance with gambling advertising regulations.