A record fine of AU$586,000 has been issued to online betting operator PlayUp Interactive for offering free bets and inducing people to gamble.
An investigation by Liquor & Gaming NSW into Playup Interactive, which trades as Draftstars, found 33 illegal advertisements on its website.
On Monday, the company was found guilty on all 33 counts of publishing advertisements which included inducements to participate, or to participate frequently, in gambling activity – as well as an inducement to open a betting account, which is an offence in NSW.
“NSW bans the advertisement of any offer of an inducement to participate in a gambling activity, including an inducement to bet more frequently, to persons who do not hold a betting account with the betting operator,” said Liquor & Gaming NSW director compliance and enforcement Dimitri Argeres.
“Wagering operators like PlayUp Interactive are able to legally advertise their products in a variety of ways, but they can’t advertise or promote inducements such as offers of increased odds or bonus bets to entice people to open a betting account.
“It is the responsibility of the betting service provider to ensure prohibited gambling advertising is not published or communicated in NSW.”
