UPDATE: The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has decisively rejected claims of weakened enforcement against Sportsbet, amid rising public scrutiny over its actions. The regulator reaffirmed its commitment to gambling regulations and consumer protection in a statement released earlier today.
ACMA faced criticism after Sportsbet challenged a 2022 enforcement decision, which resulted in a record AUD 2.5 million ($1.7 million) penalty for breaching Australia’s spam communications laws. The betting operator reportedly lobbied for changes to the wording of a public announcement regarding the case, raising questions about regulatory integrity.
“Our compliance and enforcement activities are designed to stop unlawful conduct, deter future breaches, and protect consumers from harm,” the ACMA stated, emphasizing its ongoing commitment to regulatory enforcement.
In 2024-25, the ACMA reported issuing infringement notices totaling more than AUD 13.5 million, which includes a significant AUD 7.5 million ($5 million) fine against the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) for similar spam violations. This hefty penalty was imposed after CBA sent over 170 million non-compliant marketing emails.
The ACMA also faced scrutiny over its handling of the CBA case, with reports indicating that bank executives lobbied to delay the announcement of the enforcement action until after its annual general meeting. Anthony Whealy, former Supreme Court judge and current chair of the Centre for Public Integrity, criticized the ACMA’s decision, calling the delay “quite wrong.”
“It illustrates the bank’s control over the regulator,” said Michael Sanderson, a shareholder who attended the AGM.
In response to the growing concern about its enforcement actions, the ACMA clarified that revisions made to the media release regarding Sportsbet had no impact on the enforcement outcome. “The primary objectives behind the ACMA’s publication of its enforcement outcomes are to inform and educate members of the regulated community about the standards required by law,” the agency stated.
As the situation continues to develop, the ACMA has vowed to take strong action to ensure compliance among regulated companies. The agency’s firm stance is crucial for maintaining public trust in the regulatory framework governing gambling and consumer protection.
Watch for updates as the ACMA continues to navigate these challenges and respond to public concerns about its enforcement rigor.
