Credit: Erik Mclean via Unsplash

Unibet, part of wagering company Betchoice, has been fined $60,000 plus costs for advertising illegal gambling inducements.

The penalty was imposed in Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court.

The prosecution follows a Liquor & Gaming NSW investigation into the Unibet promotions, which contained inducements to participate in gambling and open a betting account in the form of “price push” offers, a form of boosted or special odds.

It is an offence, under the NSW Betting and Racing Act, to publish a gambling advertisement that “includes any inducement to participate, or participate frequently, in any gambling activity (including an inducement to open a betting account)”.

Jane Lin, Liquor & Gaming NSW executive director regulatory operations & enforcement, the Unibet promotions had clearly offered inducements to gamble or to open a betting account.

“Betting operators have an obligation to ensure that all advertising complies with NSW laws on gambling advertising,” Lin said.

“Inducements are known to increase the risk of gambling harm, so any breaches are taken seriously.”

Betchoice pleaded guilty to two offences under section 33H(1) of the Betting and Racing Act 1998 and was fined $30,000 per offence, as well as being ordered to pay the regulator’s costs.

The company has a record of previous convictions and was fined $48,000 in July 2021. 

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