The Australian Communications and Media Authority has censured Nine Network and Network Ten, finding that they breached their broadcasting obligations by promoting an online poker site.
The advertisement for pokerstars.net was televised over coverage of Wimbledon 2009 by Nine Network and Network 10 also came under scrutiny for billboard advertisements run before a weekly sports show.
This is the first investigation by the Authority into breaches of the IGA which prohibits the promotion of interactive gambling services.
The networks both defended their position by arguing that players join pokerstars.net for free and therefore were not promoting gambling. The authorities findings, however, were that that website was clearly aimed at directing users to pokerstars.com, a gambling site.
Chris Chapman, Authority chairman stated “All providers of television, radio and datacasting service need to ensure they are fully aware of and comply with their obligations under the IGA.”
Both Networks have been ordered to hold staff training meetings on the IGA but a spokesman has said that stricter licence conditions or legal action will be instigated against broadcasters found to be in breach of the IGA in future.