Ryman Racing’s Colossalbet Hit with AU$60,000 Penalty for Breaching Advertising Regulations in NSW
Ryman Racing, operating under the brand name Colossalbet, has recently come under scrutiny and faced a hefty fine of AU$60,000 (approximately £29,244/€35,007/US$37,768) due to violations of gambling advertising laws in New South Wales, Australia.
This penalty was levied by the Downing Centre Local Court on March 31, following an investigation led by Liquor & Gaming New South Wales. The investigation found that Colossalbet had engaged in the dissemination of unlawful gambling advertisements through social media channels, specifically targeting platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
Across these platforms, a total of five adverts were issued by Colossalbet’s affiliated brand, PuntHub. Such promotional practices are strictly regulated under the New South Wales Betting and Racing Act 1998, which aims to safeguard individuals from harmful gambling behaviors by upholding high standards of advertising content.
Upon review, the court determined that these advertisements did not comply with the necessary standards of decency and good taste expected within the jurisdiction. This ruling marks a significant precedent as it is the first time a betting operator in New South Wales has faced prosecution for violating advertising standards of this nature.
Regulatory Authority Responds Firmly
Bernadette Beard, the acting executive director of regulatory operations at Liquor & Gaming New South Wales, emphasized the importance of this ruling, describing it as a crucial warning to other gambling operators. “This case demonstrates our commitment to enforcing advertising standards,” Beard stated, “and we will actively monitor gambling advertisements across all platforms.”
The severity of the fine is intended to encourage other betting providers to reassess their advertising practices and ensure compliance with existing regulations. Beard further remarked, “Failure to adhere to these standards will result in consequences, and we are not reluctant to take action when necessary.”
Impending Restrictions on Gambling Advertising
This ruling aligns with broader efforts by the New South Wales government to enhance the regulation of gambling advertising. Earlier this year, officials announced a comprehensive ban on all gambling-related advertisements across public transportation systems. This includes the prohibition of adverts for gambling activities—whether they be for casinos, lotteries, or online betting—on trains, buses, light rails, and terminal stations.
The government is poised to collaborate with advertising partners to implement these new restrictions over the forthcoming year. With significant assets controlled by Transport, including hundreds of advertising boards at train stations and on urban buses, this initiative represents a substantial shift in the approach to gambling advertising in public spaces.
As the landscape of gambling regulation continues to evolve, this fine and the upcoming bans reflect a growing awareness of the potential risks associated with gambling publicity, underscoring the need for responsible advertising practices in the industry.