Gambling ads during live sport streamed over the internet

To protect children from gambling, always use internet content filtering options.

Most providers that stream live sports content must follow the Online Content Service Provider Rules 2018. These rules are slightly different from the rules for TV and radio broadcasters. Some exemptions apply and streaming companies can apply for an individual exemption.

Rules that apply at all times.

Additional rules that apply 5.00am to 8.30pm.

During a live sporting event, online content service providers must follow the rules. They must make sure that anyone who represents a gambling organisation is:

• clearly identified
• not part of, or a guest of, the commentary team
• not at (or appear to be at) or around the venue

The rules state that:

• no gambling advertising or promotion of odds is allowed during play
• no promotion of odds is allowed during breaks in play (such as half time)
• no promotion of betting odds by commentators and representatives from gambling services (that are, or appear to be at the venue) are allowed from 30 minutes before play begins until 30 minutes after play

Providers are not allowed to promote any gambling content that is socially irresponsible. For example, the content must not:

• target children or suggest they are participating in betting or gambling
• exaggerate how likely someone is to be successful
• make a connection between betting or gambling and alcohol

The rules are stronger between 5.00am and 8.30pm, to protect children who may be watching or listening.

No gambling advertising or promotion of odds is permitted from 5 minutes before the published scheduled start of play, until 5 minutes after play, including during breaks.

If you are streaming a sporting event overseas, the company providing that service must follow the rules if:

• it targets people who are in Australia
• any of the content is likely to appeal to the public in Australia

The rules apply to the time zone of the person using the streaming service in Australia. It does not matter what time the live sports event is taking place.

Businesses that provide streaming services must consider the time zone of all potential viewers across Australia.

Some sports are not classified as ‘sporting events’ in the rules. The Online Content Service Provider Rules do not apply to:

• horse racing
• harness racing
• greyhound racing

If an online service streams identical content at the same time, or almost the same time as a live broadcast, they have to follow the broadcast rules. If the online stream is not identical to the broadcast, it must follow all parts of these online rules.

Online services that are licensed in Australia are exempt from parts 3 and 4 of the Online Content Service Provider Rules. They have to follow all other parts of these rules.

Companies can apply for an exemption to all or part of the rules. We may allow this and, if we do, we may set some conditions.

Any company with an exemption appears on the list of individual exemptions that we maintain.

To apply, complete the individual exemption application form. We assess applications using the criteria in the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 (Schedule 8).

You need to make a complaint if you think they have broken the rules.