Streaming service Kayo could face fine in Australia over gambling ad breaches
The media regulator’s investigation found gambling ads airing on streaming platform outside of the authorised advertising window over six-week period
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has issued a remedial direction to sports streaming service Kayo for breaching gambling advertising rules.
The streaming platform, operated by Hubbl, will have to complete an external audit of its technical systems and processes, with failure to comply potentially resulting in a federal court order to pay fines of up to A$626,000 (£328,515) per day.
The ACMA’s investigation found Kayo aired 16 different gambling ads inside the prohibited 5am to 8.30pm window for online content providers to show betting adverts during live sports events.
Under Australian law, gambling ads are barred from being shown during this time period, including in the five minutes before and after a live sporting event.
The ads in question aired across 267 different live sporting events in a six-week period between February and March 2023.
Hubbl claimed the breach was caused by a system error which affected viewers using iOS devices.
Regarding the sanction, ACMA authority member Carolyn Lidgerwood expressed disappointment about Hubbl letting viewers down.
She said: “Online streaming services as well as broadcasters all have a responsibility to put robust systems in place so that they adhere to these long-standing gambling advertising rules.
“The rules are there to reduce viewer exposure to gambling ads, particularly for impressionable young audiences and those vulnerable to gambling harms. In this case, Hubbl has let those viewers down,” she added.
The ACMA had previously given Kayo a formal warning over a gambling ad breach in April 2023 when the platform showed ads during an Australian Football League (AFL) match in May 2022.
Earlier this month, the ACMA ordered Australian internet service providers to shut down three unlicensed off-shore operators.