Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has found Sydney’s Network Ten breached gambling advertising rules during a live broadcast of the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix in 2024.
An investigation by ACMA found four gambling ads were aired at prohibited times during the network’s broadcast of the highly anticipated first practice session of the Grand Prix on March 21 2024.
In motorsports, practices and qualifying rounds are subject to the same restrictions on gambling advertising as the main event itself as they attract a large number of viewers.
ACMA also found in a separate investigation that Network 10’s associated streaming platform 10 Play breached online gambling advertising rules during two live-streamed sports events.
According to ACMA, under the Commercial TV Code of Practice, gambling promotions cannot be shown during broadcasts of sporting events between 5am and 8.30pm, including in the five minutes before and after the event.
Carolyn Lidgerwood, a member of ACMA emphasised that these rules around gambling advertisements on TV are there to protect the community from gambling-related harms.
“Broadcasters should have strict controls in place to ensure compliance with the restrictions on gambling ads during sporting events,” Ms Lidgerwood said.
The media watchdog said this is the first breach by Network 10 of the gambling advertising rules in the Commercial TV Code.
During the investigation, Network 10 found that the broadcast of said ads occurred as a result of human error.
As a result of ACAM’s investigation, the TV network has voluntarily taken measures to improve planning, checks and balances in place for ad scheduling.
Additionally at ACMA’s request, Network 10 has agreed to introduce additional quality controls, introduce further staff training to avoid similar issues in the future, as well as provide a written progress report to ACMA.
“The ACMA will closely monitor these actions and Network Ten’s compliance with the broadcasting and online gambling advertising rules,” Ms Lidgerwood said.
This comes as the Greens have placed pressure on the federal Labor government to pass legislation to limit gambling advertising before this year’s election.
“Gambling ad reform is the unfinished business of this parliament. The public wants this done before the election and the Government should listen and act, ”said Greens Communications Spokesperson Senator Sarah Hanson-Young.
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