- Australian Communications and Media Authority fined Betfair for violating the Spam Act.
SYDNEY – Betfair was fined $871,000 AUD by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) for sending illegal spam messages to customers.
Between March 2021 and November 2021, Betfair sent over 4,000 marketing messages to VIP customers — without their proper consent.
Based on the Australian Communications and Media Authority’s statement, customers had unsubscribed, but still received marketing emails/texts. Betfair didn’t have clear permission to keep contacting them. The spam included offers and inducements encouraging more gambling.
Australia’s Spam Act requires clear consent before sending marketing communications. Gambling companies must be especially cautious due to the potential for harmful behavior in vulnerable individuals.
ACMA is cracking down harder on non-compliant betting sites in Australia.
Betfair paid $871K in penalties (one of the largest for a spam breach). They also agreed to review their compliance procedures, submit to regular audits, and improve their unsubscribe systems.
Betfair’s case fits into a wider crackdown on irresponsible legal betting sites —operators are being held accountable, especially when targeting VIPs or excluded customers.
