No Penalty For Bookmaker That Targeted Problem Gamblers
An online bookie that sent numerous marketing messages to people on the self-exclusion register has actually prevented a punitive damages, but has paid a $500,000 fine for sending out spam to consumers.
PointsBet contravened laws associating with BetStop - the national self-exclusion register, by delaying closing accounts of consumers who had signed up and sending marketing messages to self-excluded people.
It likewise sent more than 800 messages that breached Australia's e-marketing laws, an examination by the Australian Communications and Media Authority found.
More prohibited online gaming websites have actually been obstructed following ACMA investigations. Illegal betting services are unlikely to have client defenses and users run the risk of losing their cash. View information about obstructed sites at
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- ACMA (@acmadotgov) May 14, 2025
ACMA said a punitive damages was "not readily available" for the NSER breaches due to the "complex and novel matters examined" and PoinstBet would instead undergo "thorough court-enforceable undertakings".
"A failure to abide by an enforceable endeavor can result in court-ordered punitive damages," ACMA said in a declaration.
The investigation found PointsBet sent out 508 marketing messages to self-excluded individuals in August and September 2023.
By law, people registered with the NSER must not be sent out marketing products from a certified wagering service.
There were "no reasons" for betting companies that fail to comprehend their legal obligations offered the dangers to people experiencing gambling harms, ACMA Chair Nerida O'Loughlin said.
"It is deeply worrying that these failures have actually impacted PointsBet's customers, a few of whom had actually taken proactive steps to omit themselves from online betting," she stated.
People registering to the NSER were taking favorable actions and and their decision "should not be compromised by business like PointsBet", Ms O'Loughlin stated
that no left out customers had the ability to place bets with PointsBet throughout the duration investigated.
The undertakings dedicate PointsBet to reviews of its compliance with spam and NSER laws, actioning any advised enhancements and offering routine training for all pertinent staff.
"This action should act as a warning to all wagering companies that they must meet their legal obligations or deal with the effects," Ms O'Loughlin said.
PointsBet was fined $500,800 for 705 emails sent in 2023 that contained a direct link to its betting items without consisting of an "unsubscribe" function.
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