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BlueBet Pty Ltd has been fined $50,000 for betting advertising breaches and ordered to pay the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission’s (VGCCC) agreed costs. BlueBet was found guilty of 43 charges of displaying betting advertising on or above a public road, which is an offence under the Gambling Regulation Act 2003.
The VGCCC conducted an investigation following a complaint from a member of the public and charged BlueBet in August 2023.
Over two weeks in August and September 2022, BlueBet’s betting advertising appeared on digital billboards at:
Princes Freeway on the Point Cook Road Overpass (Laverton)
Princes Freeway on the Princes Highway Overpass (Point Cook)
Western Freeway Melton – Werribee Road (Rockbank)
Western Freeway before Ballarat Road Overpass (Ravenhall)
Princes Freeway on Sneydes Road Overpass (Werribee).
Magistrate Greg Thomas said that he found it difficult to accept BlueBet’s defence that they didn’t know they were breaching the law, given the prime position of the billboards to target males aged 15-54 years old. Magistrate Thomas did not record a conviction but said if the breaches were accidental, this demonstrated a high degree of negligence by BlueBet.
VGCCC CEO Annette Kimmitt AM welcomed the verdict: “Betting advertising has no place on public roads where it is readily visible to children and other vulnerable groups. These places are especially difficult to avoid as part of day-to-day activities. This decision sends a clear message to wagering providers that flout these protections for our community.”
Magistrate Thomas said he would have fined BlueBet $70,000 and recorded a conviction but considered their guilty plea, cooperation with the VGCCC and changes BlueBet implemented to prevent these breaches from happening again.
If you see betting advertising displayed on or above a public road, road infrastructure or a road reserve, let us know on 1300 599 759 or through the VGCCC complaints and tip-offs page.
