A broadcasting loophole means EPL or English Premier League’s Australia-based fans are subjected to a lot of betting ads for offshore gambling firms that would be prohibited from display on Australian screens.
It has reported this as the basis of a complaint made to a media watchdog against the Optus Sport.
ACMA or The Australian Communications and Media Authority is probing a complaint against Optus by Jack Kerr. He is a journalist and a gambling researcher. Kerr is alleging gambling ads featured in every single minute of play during a Premier League soccer game in December of last year. This was when Aston Villa hosted Manchester City.
Since 2016, Optus Sport has held the rights to EPL games in Australia. With the company previously securing an extension to the deal, having paid around $600 million to retain the lucrative rights through the end of 2027-28 season.
The broadcaster is enjoying a subscriber base of over one million customers in Australia for its streaming service. Kerr complained that interactive gambling companies feature prominently on pitch-side billboards, with clubs showcasing ads for multiple betting companies throughout matches. Premier League clubs control and manage the pitch-side advertising boards, tailoring them for different markets. Furthermore, in a mix of collective league sponsors and specific club agreements.
The Interactive Gambling Act does not allow offshore gambling companies to offer bets to people based in Australia and further prevents the promotion of their services. More importantly, the exemption is offered if an advert accompanies the publication of other matter accidentally or incidentally.
The latter points tot he crux of the position adopted by Optus. The spokesperson stressing the company complies with the relevant Australian laws in its coverage of all rights and content. Australian gambling advertising laws contain exemptions for pitch-side advertising.
