Foxtel Faces ACMA Criticism for Breaching Gambling Ad Regulations

Australian-based Foxtel Cable Television Pty Limited is facing reprimand by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) for breaking gambling advertisement rules. The breach occurred in April 2024 during an Australian Football League (AFL) match coverage.

An investigation by the ACMA revealed that a gambling operator’s promotion was showcased during the Port Adelaide vs. Essendon match without a responsible gambling message meeting the set standard. By doing so, the network violated gambling ad regulations for live sports broadcasts.

Code Violation

As required by Australia’s Commercial Television Industry Code of Practice, gambling ads displayed during live sports broadcasts must include a responsible gambling message; this keeps viewers aware of gambling-related risks.

ACMA member Carolyn Lidgerwood emphasized the importance of accompanying ads with messages to protect viewers. She also stressed that more has to be done beyond adding an “18+” logo to meet responsible gambling messaging standards: “These messages must emphasize the potential harms and risks of gambling if it is not undertaken responsibly.”

Foxtel’s Compliance Efforts

ACMA detailed Foxtel’s quick action to rectify its shortcomings once it was made aware. The TV network immediately addressed the violation by adding a responsible gambling message to the ad. As part of the corrective measures, the company will conduct further staff training on regulatory demands to ensure no such mishaps occur in the future.

Foxtel will not face financial penalties for the breach as the ACMA chooses to focus on corrective action within the broadcaster’s system. A spokesperson assured that Foxtel takes its gambling advertisement obligations seriously and is “working collaboratively with the ACMA and advertisers in this regard.”

Setting High Standards

Foxtel is not the first broadcaster to come under fire by the ACMA for breaching responsible gambling ad regulations. In February 2025, the authority criticized Network 10 for airing four gambling ads while streaming the first practice round of a Formula One Grand Prix, which is prohibited. The broadcaster choked it up to human error and complied with the recommended steps to avoid more infractions.

These efforts reflect ACMA’s commitment to ensure TV networks, gaming operators, and advertisers adhere to strict ad regulations. While Foxtel received a warning, the authority has gone as far as issuing fines to uphold ethical advertising standards. It has slapped telecommunications titan Telstra with a $626,000 fine for spam law violations.