Tabcorp slapped for jelly bean promotion

Wednesday 25th of October 2017

Australian wagering giant Tabcorp has pleaded guilty for failing to include a gambling warning notice on a promotion involving jelly beans and mints, local media reports.

The company handed out promotional packages containing jelly beans and mints to pedestrians near the Sydney CBD in March, with various slogans including “Nothing’s as sweet as a win” and “We love a bet TAB”.

The company was convicted on two counts of publishing gambling advertising without the required warning messages.

“This warning must be on all gambling advertising published in NSW to encourage people considering gambling to think carefully about the potential risks,” said Liquor & Gaming NSW director of compliance operations, Sean Goodchild.

“Such warnings are an important part of the Government’s commitment to prevent and reduce harms linked to problem gambling. The notice also informs people of gambling help support services.”

A spokesman from Tabcorp said the company acknowledged the decision in the NSW local court.

The company has been ordered to pay A$10,000 (US$7,700) in costs, and $750 for each of the two breaches of the NSW advertising promotions.

“As has been noted by the regulator, TAB moved to halt the promotion as soon as the error was drawn to its attention and we have put in place measures to ensure that there is no reoccurrence,” said the company.

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