Foxtel found in breach of gambling advertising rules

Foxtel Cable Television Pty Limited has been found to have breached gambling advertising regulations during its coverage of an AFL match between Port Adelaide and Essendon in April 2024.

An investigation by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) determined that a virtual banner promoting a gambling operator, displayed during Foxtel’s broadcast of the match, failed to include an adequate responsible gambling message.

Under the subscription television code of practice, gambling advertisements aired during live sports broadcasts must feature a responsible gambling message. ACMA authority member Carolyn Lidgerwood highlighted the importance of these regulations in mitigating gambling-related harm.

“If broadcasters are airing gambling advertisements during live sporting events, the responsible gambling message must be aired too,” Ms Lidgerwood said.

“These messages must emphasise the potential harms and risks of gambling if it is not undertaken responsibly. An ‘18+’ logo on its own is not an adequate responsible gambling message.”

Foxtel’s response and compliance measures

Following ACMA’s intervention, Foxtel took swift action to rectify the issue by ensuring a responsible gambling tagline was included in the advertisement.

As a result of the investigation, Foxtel has committed to additional staff training on the regulatory requirements surrounding gambling advertisements. The broadcaster will also report back to ACMA on the measures it is implementing to ensure future compliance.

A Foxtel Group spokesperson said, “We take our obligations regarding betting and wagering advertising seriously and continue to work collaboratively with the ACMA and advertisers in this regard.”

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