Gambling advertisements
Find out what details you should include in any advertising for gambling and lottery systems in NSW and what the law prohibits.
Advertising for gambling and lottery systems, including computer prediction software, must follow certain legal obligations. The Australian Consumer Law prohibits false or misleading statements when promoting these systems in advertising.
Details your gambling advertisement must include
Check that advertisements clearly:
- identify the advertiser and provide the name of the business or contact person, the full street address and phone number
- state what the system and software does
- indicate that any predictions can be substantiated
- state if an investment is required, and if so, the amount.
Do not accept advertisements which include:
- any promise of guaranteed earnings
- claims that share prices are accurately predicted
- only a PO Box number
- exaggerated earnings or projected incomes
- undisclosed costs for calls to 1900, 015 or 0055 numbers.
You should make sure you have a system in place so you can identify who placed an advertisement. It should include:
- company or business name
- full name and phone number of the contact person
- complete street address.
You cannot make false and misleading statements in your gambling advertisements
Gambling and lottery systems are usually presented as business opportunities or investments. Misleading or scam advertisements usually share the same warning signs or characteristics. Check advertisements that:
- offer huge returns just by using certain software
- guarantee predictions
- guarantee large returns
- require large up-front payments for software
- claim that software can accurately predict movements in share prices
- claim that they can guarantee that consumers will make money through betting, or
- promise that investments will yield a high return with little or no risk.
Example 1: Lotto to win! I am a senior and have been playing Lotto for over 11 years. I make between $11,000 and $14,000 a year. TAX FREE. Want to do the same? Call 1234 5678.
Example 2: The best job in town! Love Sport.... Love Money? Want to earn $60k plus per year? Great opportunity with no risk involved. If you believe your own eyes call now 1300 123 456.