Sportschamps convicted for illegal gambling ad

Wagering company Sportschamps has been convicted of posting an illegal gambling advertisement online as a result of an investigation by Liquor & Gaming NSW.

In Downing Centre Local Court on 3 April, the company was fined $2,500 and ordered to pay $3,250 in legal costs for breaching NSW gaming laws.

The prosecution related to an advertisement on the sportschamps.com.au website on 5 July 2018.

The advertisement read: “Matched first time deposit bonus up to $50 – Deposit for the first time and we’ll match your deposit with Bonus Cash, up to $50. Keep the winnings from Bonus Cas (sic)”. There was a button close by that said: “Sign up for free”.   

Under the NSW Betting and Racing Act, it is an offence to publish “a gambling advertisement that offers any inducement to participate, or participate frequently, in any gambling activity (including an inducement to open a betting account).”

Chief Magistrate Graeme Henson took into account Sportschamps’ submission that no one signed up for the offer.

Liquor & Gaming NSW Director of Compliance Operations, Sean Goodchild, said the ad clearly breached NSW gambling advertising laws.

“Advertising gambling inducements is unlawful in NSW, and operators who flout or try to get around these restrictions are acting against industry and community interests and increasing risks of gambling harms,” Mr Goodchild said.