SportChamps Faces Hefty Fine for Repeated Inducements to Gamble
Online betting operator SportChamps finds itself in hot water once again, facing a substantial fine of $17,500 for inducing individuals to gamble and open betting accounts. The charges come on the heels of five prior convictions for similar offenses, highlighting a pattern of disregard for regulatory laws.
Repeated Offenses Lead to Costly Consequences
SportChamps recently pled guilty in the Downing Centre Local Court to two offenses under the Betting and Racing Act in New South Wales. These charges stemmed from a comprehensive investigation conducted by Liquor & Gaming NSW into the operator’s advertising practices. The advertisements in question, featured on SportChamps’ website and Facebook pages, included statements such as ‘Punt for free. Learn the game!’ and ‘Receive a free bet each day.’
No Tolerance for Violations
In New South Wales, it is strictly prohibited to publish or offer inducements to encourage the opening of betting accounts. Jane Lin, Executive Director Regulatory Operations at Liquor & Gaming NSW, expressed her disappointment in SportChamps’ continuous disregard for the law. Lin emphasized, “It’s extremely concerning that this operator has amassed multiple convictions for breaching laws that are in place to protect people from gambling harm.”
Protecting the Regulatory Framework
SportChamps’ attempts to attract new customers and expand its market share were conducted with a blatant disregard for the state’s gambling laws. Once a new account was created, users were granted access to the SportChamps Tournament Betting Lobby webpage, where both free and paid gaming tournaments were available. The process involved soliciting credit card details and deposit amounts, raising further concerns about the operator’s practices.
Zero Tolerance for Inducements
Inducements, such as offers of increased odds or bonus bets to entice individuals to open betting accounts, are strictly prohibited in New South Wales. Lin reiterated, “Offenses like these have the potential to undermine the entire regulatory framework, which is why we take a zero-tolerance approach to this type of advertising.” The state aims to safeguard its residents from gambling harm, and violations of this nature carry significant penalties.
A Lesson in Regulatory Adherence
SportChamps’ hefty fine serves as a stark reminder of the consequences for violating advertising and inducement laws in the gambling industry. The regulatory framework in New South Wales remains steadfast in its commitment to preserving the integrity of gambling practices and protecting consumers from harm.