The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has issued a warning to Network 10 following the broadcast of gambling advertisements that ran during prohibited times. An investigation revealed that four gambling ads were aired during the first practice session of the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix in March 2024, which goes directly against the broadcasting guidelines laid-out by the ACMA.
Regulatory framework and specific breach details
According to the Commercial Television Industry Code of Practice, gambling adverts—of any kind—are not allowed to air during live sports broadcasts between 5AM and 8:30PM—and this includes the five minutes before and after events.
Interestingly, these restrictions don’t just apply to main events, but also to practice and qualifying sessions, too. The fact that Network 10 broadcast adverts during these specific times is, according to ACMA, a clear breach of these regulations.
Network 10’s response
While it’s a serious violation by Network 10, it is their first breach of gambling advertising rules—and, as such, they appear to have been given a small amount of leeway.
Network 10 claims that the adverts were broadcast due to “human oversight”, and they claim to have already brought in new measures to prevent this from happening in future. These steps include enhancing planning procedures, introducing additional quality controls in advertisement scheduling, and committing to comprehensive staff training.
Network 10 has also agreed to provide a written progress report to the ACMA detailing these improvements. This is interesting, as it goes against what we’ve seen in other markets—like the UK—where regulators have been quick to hand down fines to offending broadcasters.
ACMA member Carolyn Lidgerwood spoke of the necessity for stringent controls, stating, “Broadcasters should have strict controls in place to ensure compliance with the restrictions on gambling ads during sporting events.”
What affiliate marketers can learn from Network 10’s mistakes
Australia is one of the most regulated iGaming markets in the world, and while Network 10 managed to escape without any financial—or legal—penalties, this isn’t always the case.
Affiliates, too, must be careful when operating in the Australian market, as failing to adhere to gambling regulations can lead to significant fines and even criminal charges.
Affiliate marketers and managers must also ensure that all promotional content complies with current laws to avoid potential penalties and reputational damage. Implementing robust compliance checks and regular staff training can serve as effective strategies to navigate the complex regulatory landscape governing gambling-related advertisements.
