PlayUp Interactive operates under the trading name Draftstars. The Downing Centre Local Court has fined the operator AU$586,000 (or $394,389) for breaching New South Wales gambling laws.
Authorities imposed the fine on August 12. This has followed Liquor & Gaming NSW‘s investigation which uncovered 33 instances of illegal advertisements on the website of the company. The illegal ads offered incentives for individuals to gamble more frequently and open new betting accounts.
NSW considers such actions offenses. This is where strict regulations rule the advertising of gambling services.
Dimitri Argeres, Director of Compliance & Enforcement of Liquor & Gaming, said NSW bans the advertisement of any inducement to participate in gambling activities. This includes inducements to bet more frequently. The ban applies to persons who do not hold a betting account with the operator.
Furthermore, he clarified that while betting operators like PlayUp Interactive can advertise their products, they must not promote incentives such as bonus bets or increased odds to persuade individuals to open betting accounts.
Argeres stressed that it is the responsibility of the betting service provider to make sure that prohibited gambling advertisements are not published or communicated within NSW.
The substantial fine imposed on PlayUp Interactive is one of the largest of its kind in the state. It underscores the zero-tolerance approach to illegal gambling advertisements of Liquor & Gaming NSW.
In early 2024, authorities fined the former licensee of the St George Hotel in Belmore. The fine was for operating gaming machines outside of allowed hours. This is another example of the active role of the regulator in maintaining compliance within the industry.
