The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has found Kayo, a sports streaming service, to be in breach of rules surrounding gambling advertising rules.
Kayo, which is owned by Hubbl, was said to have presented a number of gambling advertisements during live sports events outside the time period in which it is allowed.
In Australia, gambling advertisements must not be shown by online content providers during live sports events between 5am and 8:30pm, including in the five minutes before and after the event
Hubbl was investigated by the ACMA after complaints from viewers were received, which related to livestreams of several sporting events.
The investigations carried out by the ACMA found that there had been 16 different gambling advertisements outside the permitted times across a total of 267 live sport events.
Hubbl stated that the reason behind this was a system error that affected viewers using iOS applications during a six-week period between February and March 2023.
In response, the ACMA has issued a remedial direction for Hubbl to organise an external audit of its technical systems and processes, including those measures which were implemented after the breaches.
Should Hubbl fail to comply, it may be ordered to pay penalties up to $626,000 (US$415,585.75) per day by the Federal Court.
ACMA Authority member Carolyn Lidgerwood 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.”
Last week, the ACMA blocked illegal offshore gambling websites with the help of local Australian ISPs, including A Big Candy, Jackpoty and John Vegas Casino.
