ACMA Identifies Breaches in Interactive Gambling Rules by Major Betting Operators

These breaches relate to the use of ‘Fast/Quick Codes’ in facilitating in-play betting on sports matches, a practice prohibited under certain conditions by the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.

The Breach: Misuse of Fast/Quick Codes

The Interactive Gambling Act 2001 allows in-play betting on sports matches over the phone under specific conditions. For a bet to qualify for the phone betting exception, all information related to the bet—such as bet selection, type, amount, and confirmation—must be communicated entirely via the phone call. However, ACMA found that these operators used Fast/Quick Codes in a way that contravened these requirements.

Fast/Quick Codes are generated when customers use the operators’ websites or apps to create an in-play wager. These codes embed details like the event, bet selection, and type.

When customers call to place their bet, they provide these codes along with the bet amount and confirmation. ACMA’s investigation revealed that this process did not comply with the requirement for all betting information to be communicated solely via the phone call.

Operators’ Response and ACMA’s Stance

Following the investigation, Ladbrokes and Neds (owned by Entain), bet365 (operated by Hillside), and Sportsbet (a Flutter Entertainment brand) have taken corrective measures.

These operators have modified their use of Fast/Quick Codes to comply with the interactive gambling rules. The revised approach involves generating Fast/Quick Codes before the events, independent of customer selection, and making them generic and identical for all customers.

Given these corrective steps, ACMA has opted not to pursue further enforcement action at this time.

Our Comment on the Article

The ACMA’s findings and subsequent actions by Ladbrokes, Neds, bet365, and Sportsbet highlight a crucial aspect of regulatory compliance in the online betting industry.

The swift response by these operators to align their practices with the Interactive Gambling Act’s stipulations reflects a growing awareness and commitment to ethical gambling practices.

This incident serves as a reminder of the delicate balance betting companies must maintain between innovative service offerings and adherence to regulatory frameworks. It also underscores the importance of constant vigilance and adaptability in an industry that is continually evolving, especially in terms of technology and customer interaction methods.

The proactive approach taken by both ACMA and the operators involved sets a positive precedent for the industry, emphasizing the significance of regulatory compliance for the integrity and sustainability of online gambling.