PointsBet Australia has been fined AU$500,000 (approximately US$323,000) for violating Australian spam regulations and sending marketing emails to individuals listed in the BetStop self-exclusion registry.
An investigation by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) revealed that PointsBet sent 800 promotional emails that lacked a required unsubscribe option. These emails included direct links to the company’s sports betting services.
Additionally, around 500 of those messages were delivered to people who had opted to self-exclude from gambling, a move that enhances consumer protections. PointsBet attributed the breach to human error and expressed disagreement with both the severity of the fine and certain aspects of the investigation’s conclusions. However, the company has committed to improving its compliance procedures.
A company spokesperson explained that a link to the betting platform was unintentionally embedded within PointsBet’s logo, and emphasized that none of the self-excluded recipients were able to place bets or access their accounts.
ACMA Chair Nerida O’Loughlin condemned the operator’s actions, stating that such failures could undermine the efforts of individuals who are trying to distance themselves from gambling. She reiterated that all operators must adhere strictly to marketing and consumer protection rules or face sanctions.
- SCCG Management. The Gambling Industry’s Global Connector. Access Here.
- Source: SCCGManagement.com
