Ten Network, the Australian commercial television network under the ownership of Ten Network Holdings, has been found in violation of gambling advertising regulations during its coverage of the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix in March 2024.
Network 10’s First Breach Attributed to Human Error
According to an investigation by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), a total of four gambling advertisements aired during the first practice round of the Grand Prix, despite strict rules prohibiting such ads during sporting events between 5:00 AM and 8:30 PM.
These restrictions also apply to the five-minute windows before and after the event.
This incident, the first for Network Ten in relation to gambling ad regulations, was attributed to a human error.
In response to ACMA’s findings, Network Ten has taken proactive measures to prevent similar breaches in the future.
The company has strengthened its planning procedures and introduced additional checks and balances to improve its ad scheduling process.
Even more, ACMA requested the network to commit to a comprehensive review of its internal processes and implement more quality control measures.
Network Ten’s staff will also undergo additional training to ensure proper compliance from now on and provide the independent Commonwealth statutory authority that regulates communications and media services with a written progress report detailing its improvements and ongoing efforts to maintain compliance.
ACMA: ”Broadcasters Should Have Strict Controls in Place”
ACMA Authority member Carolyn Lidgerwood took the opportunity to emphasize the necessity of safeguarding the public from harm related to gambling.
“Broadcasters should have strict controls in place to ensure compliance with the restrictions on gambling ads during sporting events,” Ms. Lidgerwood stated.
Under current guidelines, motorsport practice and qualifying sessions are treated the same as the main event regarding gambling advertising restrictions.
A separate ACMA investigation conducted in 2024 found that 10 Play, the network’s streaming service, violated online gambling advertising rules during two live-streamed sports events.
ACMA has pledged to closely monitor Network Ten’s adherence to both broadcasting and online gambling advertising regulations.
“The ACMA will closely monitor these actions and Network Ten’s compliance with the broadcasting and online gambling advertising rules,” Ms. Lidgerwood reiterated.
Alongside its investigation into Network Ten, the ACMA has ordered several Australian Internet Service Providers to block more illegal gambling and affiliate sites, including JokaRoom, AUDPokies888, and Wild Pokies, among others. Since November 2019, a total of 1,154 sites have been blocked. Since 2017, about 220 illegal services have exited the Australian market.