Australian sports betting operator BlueBet has been fined for displaying digital gambling advertisements on a public road in the state of Victoria.
The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) conducted an investigation following a complaint from a member of the public.
BlueBet was found guilty of 43 charges of displaying gambling advertising on or above a public road, which is an offence under the state’s Gambling Regulation Act 2003.
Magistrate Greg Thomas said he found it difficult to accept BlueBet’s defence that the company did not know they were breaching the law, given the prime position of the billboards to target males aged 15-54 years old.
Magistrate Thomas did not record a conviction but said if the breaches were accidental, this demonstrated a high degree of negligence by BlueBet.
“Gambling advertising has no place on public roads where it is readily visible to children and other vulnerable groups,” said VGCCC CEO Annette Kimmitt AM. “These places are especially difficult to avoid as part of day-to-day activities. This decision sends a clear message to wagering providers that flout these protections for our community.”
As a result, BlueBet has been fined AUD$50,000 and ordered to pay the VGCCC’s costs.
Magistrate Thomas said he would have fined BlueBet $70,000 and recorded a conviction, but considered the company’s guilty plea, cooperation with the VGCCC, and changes implemented to prevent these breaches from happening again.
Last week BlueBet entered into an agreement to acquire rival sportsbook operator betr.
Shares in BlueBet Holdings Ltd (ASX:BBT) closed 3.92 per cent lower at AUD$0.24 per share in Sydney Tuesday.