Betfair’s Australian arm has been hit with a hefty $871,660 fine after breaching the country’s spam laws.
An investigation by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) revealed that between March and December 2024, Betfair sent 148 promotional emails and text messages to customers who either had not provided consent or had withdrawn their permission to receive such messages.
The probe also found that a further six messages during the same period did not include an unsubscribe option, as required by law.
These communications were sent to members of Betfair’s VIP program and included offers such as account deposits and free tickets.
ACMA stressed that inducements targeting high-value bettors carry significant risks. “VIP programs are generally designed to attract and retain customers with high betting activity, however this doesn’t mean VIP customers are well off or can afford losses,” ACMA member Samantha Yorke said.
“Sending promotional gambling messages to these customers without consent or an opt-out mechanism is incredibly irresponsible as well as non-compliant.”
Yorke added that spam laws have existed for more than two decades and businesses must respect their customers’ rights. ACMA has imposed $16.6 million in spam-related penalties in the past 18 months and said the size of the Betfair fine reflects the seriousness of the breaches.
