The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has issued a warning to popular sports streaming platform Kayo for breaching gambling advertising rules. The warning comes after multiple complaints were made regarding excessive gambling advertisements during live sports broadcasts on the platform.
According to ACMA, Kayo had violated the rules outlined in the Interactive Gambling Act 2001, which prohibits the promotion of gambling services during live sports events or in programs predominantly aimed at a youth audience. The authority found that Kayo had aired numerous gambling commercials during matches from various sports leagues, including the AFL, NRL, and A-League, where the target audience is predominantly young adults and children.
ACMA Chair Nerida O’Loughlin stated that the excessive gambling advertisements on Kayo were concerning, especially given the influence they could have on young viewers. She emphasized the importance of protecting vulnerable audiences, particularly children and young adults, from the potential harms of gambling advertising.
In response to the warning, Kayo has acknowledged the breach and has taken steps to rectify the issue. The platform has committed to implementing stronger measures to ensure compliance with the Interactive Gambling Act and to minimize the exposure of young audiences to gambling advertising.
The warning issued by ACMA serves as a reminder to all broadcasters and streaming platforms to adhere to the regulations concerning gambling advertising. It also highlights the need for increased vigilance in monitoring and enforcing these rules to protect vulnerable audiences from potential harm.
This development has sparked a broader conversation about the prevalence of gambling advertising in sports broadcasts and the impact it may have on viewers, particularly young people. Many are calling for stricter regulations and enforcement to curb the influence of gambling advertising in the sports industry.
As the issue continues to garner attention, ACMA remains committed to upholding the rules and regulations surrounding gambling advertising to ensure the protection of all audiences, especially those most susceptible to its influences. The warning issued to Kayo serves as a clear message that non-compliance will not be tolerated, and that measures must be taken to address these concerns effectively.