ABC News Australia
Ladbrokes and Neds have been fined the maximum amount allowed under Australian law for taking 78 bets during a LIV Golf event last year.
Key points:
- The $13,320 fine is the largest allowed by the Interactive Gambling Act for the breach
- The infringement is the first for online in-play betting, which is outlawed in Australia
- The gambling services’ parent company said a timing error meant the market was left open longer than it should have been
Online gambling during sporting competitions, known as in-play betting, is illegal in Australia.
Parent company Entain has paid the $13,320 infringement fine from the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) and has pledged to improve its compliance processes.
“Entain Australia acknowledges receipt of the ACMA infringement notice and has accepted the penalty,” a company spokesperson said.
“Entain is disappointed that its internal processes did not pick up this timing error and will continue to review and refine procedures in an effort to avoid future incidents.”
In-play betting risks
Chair of the Australian Communications and Media Authority, Nerida O’Loughlin, said online in-play betting needed tighter regulation than other forms of gambling.
“Online in-play betting increases the risk for those people experiencing gambling harm as it provides fast outcomes and allows for higher frequency of bets,” she said.
Entain told the ACMA the breaches occurred due to its parent company entering into its system an incorrect start time for the Bangkok LIV Golf tournament in October last year.
Read more
