The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission has fined BlueBet A$50,000 for violating gambling advertising laws.
BlueBet was found guilty by the VGCCC of 43 counts of advertising gambling on or over a road. This is an offense under the Gambling Regulation Act of 2003.
A member of the public complained to the commission, and the investigation was conducted. BlueBet’s charges were filed in August 2023.
BlueBet’s advertising for gambling was displayed on five digital billboards during a period of two weeks in August or September 2022.
- Princes Freeway at the Point Cook Road Overpass in Laverton
- Princes Highway Overpass on the Princes Freeway (Point Cook).
- Western Freeway Melton- Werribee Road
- Western Freeway Before Ballarat Road Overpass
- Princes Freeway at Sneydes Road Overpass in Werribee
VGCCC said that Greg Thomas , the Magistrate for the VGCCC “found it hard to accept BlueBet’s defence of not knowing they had broken the law given that the billboards were placed in a prime location to attract males between 15 and 54 years”.
BlueBet was also accused of “high negligence” if BlueBet’s breaches had been accidental.
The Magistrate Thomas also noted that, had he not taken into consideration the guilty plea of the operator, his cooperation with VGCCC, and the measures implemented to avoid these violations from occurring again, he could have fined BlueBet up to $70,000.
Annette Kimmitt, AM CEO of the VGCCC, commented on this verdict: “Gambling advertisements have no place in public places where they are easily visible by children and vulnerable groups. It is difficult for people to stay away from these places as they are part of their daily activities.
This decision is a message sent to betting providers who ignore these community protections.
