ACMA fines Tabcorp for breaching spam laws
The Australian Communications and Media Authority has fined betting company Tabcorp for sending over 5,700 market messages that violated the country’s spam laws.
An investigation found that Tabcorp sent 2,598 SMS and WhatsApp messages to some of its VIP customers between 1 February and 1 March 2024, without giving the recipients the option of unsubscribing.
The company was also found to have sent 3,148 messages during the same period that did not provide sufficient information on the sender.
Speaking about the breach, ACMA member Samantha York emphasised that the violations were extremely concerning, as VIP gambling programs included a wide range of customers.
York said, “The gambling industry needs to understand that spam laws apply to all direct marketing—whether it’s generic campaigns or personalised messages. VIPs should not be confused with gambling ‘high-rollers’. These types of gambling VIP programs can involve customers who are not well off and are experiencing significant losses.”
The Spam Act 2003 states that businesses need consent before they issue marketing messages, which must include the ability to unsubscribe and details identifying the sender.
Tabcorp has accepted a fine of AU$4 million (US$2.60 million)1 AUD = 0.6507 USD
2025-06-18Powered by CMG CurrenShift and has agreed to undergo an independent review of its marketing systems and additional staff training.
ACMA also fined sportsbook operator PointsBet in May for breaching spam and self-exclusion laws. The sportsbook was issued an AU$500,000 (US$325,000)1 AUD = 0.6507 USD
2025-06-18Powered by CMG CurrenShift fine for sending more than 800 messages.
Dig deeper
2025/05/21: Unibet fined over AU$1 million for breaching Australian self-exclusion rules
2025/05/16: PointsBet fined AU$500,000 for gambling advertising spam
2025/05/20: Tennessee Sports Wagering Council fines online sportsbook US$50,000
2025/02/17: ACMA blocks eight illegal gambling websites in Australia
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