Pay-TV provider avoids regulator fine despite gambling ad breach decision

Australia's primary cable television provider, Foxtel Pty Ltd, has avoided any fine or substantial penalty despite breaching broadcasting standards in showing a gambling ad during an Australian Rules football match on Easter Monday.

Foxtel had self-reported the breach as "human error" following a viewer complaint, leading to an investigation by the Australian Communications and Media Authority ('ACMA') into the gambling promoted segment featured in Fox Footy's live half-time coverage of the Geelong v Hawthorn match on 5 April 2021.

ACMA published an investigation report earlier this week confirming Foxtel breached Broadcasting Code standards; the report has been reviewed by Sports Law Combine, which outlined that;