Unibet Incurs AU$60,000 Fine in New South Wales Due to Unlawful Gambling Promotions

Australia has recently strengthened its stance on gambling irregularities Australian online casinos with Unibet latest to be targeted. Following recent events, the prominent sports betting brand was fined AU$60,000 (US$39,660) for various violations, including offering unwarranted bonuses and promotions to players in New South Wales.

The penalty, issued by a Sydney court on May 22, followed a meticulous investigation into the bonuses and promotions Unibet offered, as per Liquor & Gaming NSW. This agency is responsible for supervising all gambling, betting, alcohol, and club activities in New South Wales.

The inquiry revealed each promotion included several 'enticements' like better odds and 'price enhancements' to lure gamblers into more betting activities and opening new accounts. The NSW Betting and Racing Act prohibits operators from providing incentives to customers, even for creating new betting accounts.

BetChoice, operating under the Unibet brand and owned by Kindred, confessed to the allegations, resulting in two AU$30,000 fines as per section 33H(1) of the NSW Betting and Racing Act. The court also demanded the operator cover the regulator's legal costs.

Post-verdict, Jane Lin, the executive director of regulatory operations and enforcement at Liquor & Gaming NSW, stated: 'Betting operators must ensure compliance with NSW's gambling advertisement laws. Inducements heighten the potential for gambling-related harm, thus are addressed with severity.'

'The offending advertisements encouraged engagement with gambling products by employing special or enhanced odds, breaching the legislation,' the official elaborated.

Unibet's recent conviction marks its second offense by the NSW regulator. Previously, in July 2021, the company faced an AU$48,000 fine for offering enhanced odds. BetChoice Corporation Pty admitted to three charges.

A separate report by Responsible Wagering Australia (RWA) explains Australia may forfeit up to $3 billion (£1.60 billion) in taxes due to illegal offshore gambling activities. This finding is part of the Australia Offshore Wagering Market Analysis 2023, prepared by H2 Gambling Capital at RWA's request.

H2 estimates a $3.35 billion tax loss from illicit offshore betting between 2022 and 2027. This could rise to $6.67 billion when combined with a projected $3.32 billion loss from the grey market.

As per RWA, users prefer offshore operators for their competitive edges and leniency compared to licensed operators' strict consumer protections.

CEO of RWA, Kai Cantwell noted: 'It's vital that reforms are well-balanced to prevent Australian players from turning to less protective offshore options. Failing to maintain a sustainably regulated sports betting environment could substantially harm Australia's economy, affecting sports, racing, and broadcasting sectors.'