An investigation by Liquor & Gaming NSW has revealed that TopSport, a marketing-affiliate, has violated section 33H (1) of the state’s Betting and Racing Act 1998. This section makes it illegal to publish advertisements that entice individuals to participate frequently in any form of gambling. Such a breach carries a maximum fine of $100,000.
TopSport has pleaded guilty to three illegal gambling advertising offenses in Downing Centre Local Court. Two of these offenses were related to advertisements on their website promoting the ‘Top Up’ enhanced odds feature. The third breach was in connection with the promotion of a weekly tipping competition on the Sporting Base website, where TopSport bonus bets were offered as a prize for the top tipsters.
As a consequence, TopSport has been fined $20,000 per breach, which occurred in August and September. Additionally, they have been ordered to cover Liquor & Gaming NSW’s legal costs. “The existence of these laws is well-founded. Enhanced odds and tipping competitions can tempt individuals to open a betting account that they might otherwise refrain from doing, and it may also encourage frequent gambling,” stated Marcel Savary, the compliance director of Liquor & Gaming NSW. “Although TopSport did not have prior convictions for this type of offense, there is a need for specific and general deterrence,” acknowledged the magistrate during sentencing.
