Ubet fined for promoting alcohol while gambling

Tuesday 28th of June 2016

Tatts Group wagering subsidiary Ubet has become the first company in NSW to be convicted of promoting drinking and gambling, local media reports.

The ad reportedly showed people betting with half drunk glasses of beer while watching others place bets, and the court also found that people were being induced to join the service through a bonus points offer.

Liquor and Gaming NSW’s prosecution saw to it that the company was fined A$3,300 (US$2,500) and awarding costs of A$4,500.

In May, the Australian Association of National Advertisers (AANA) released the Wagering Advertising and Marketing Communication Code to oversee how wagering and gaming companies go to market

Under the new guidelines, gambling ads are banned from targeting minors, show people placing bets while drinking or link gambling with "sexual success or enhanced attractiveness".

AANA chair Matt Tapper said the self-regulating code will provide a robust framework for the public. It is said to come into effect on July 1, 2016.

However, the code also garnered criticism from Australian wagering giant, Tabcorp, saying it was no substitute for a clearly defined national legal and regulatory framework.

A Tabcorp spokesperson told Mumbrella that while there were concerns regarding the way some companies were marketing, the new code would have little impact.

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