An online wagering company has been slapped with another fine for illegally inducing people to gamble after a string of previous convictions for similar offences.
Melbourne-based SportChamps pleaded guilty to two offences under the NSW Betting and Racing Act and was hit with a $17,500 fine.
The operator had been under a Liquor and Gaming NSW investigation over advertisements on its website and Facebook pages that said "punt for free" and "receive a free bet each day".
In NSW, it is an offence to publish or offer inducements to open a betting account.
SportChamps has recorded five previous offences related to gambling advertising, with the earliest dating back to 2017.
Liquor and Gaming NSW executive director Jane Lin said it was extremely concerning that the operator had amassed multiple convictions.
"Wagering operators can legally advertise their products in a variety of ways, but they can't advertise or promote inducements such as offers of increased odds or bonus bets to entice people to open a betting account," she said in a statement on Thursday.
"NSW bans the advertisement of any offer of an inducement to participate in a gambling activity, including an inducement to bet more frequently."
SportChamps tried to attract new customers and increase its market share with no regard for NSW gambling laws in the latest offences, the state Department of Enterprise, Investment and Trade said.
Once new users' accounts were created, the company provided access to its "tournament betting lobby" webpage, which included access to free and paid gaming tournaments.
A deposit icon then took users to a page where they were asked to insert credit card details and the deposit amount, or they could make direct deposits to SportChamps.
Under NSW law, it is illegal to offer any inducements to open betting accounts, refer friends to open betting accounts, keep a betting account open or consent to receive gambling advertising.
A maximum penalty of $110,000 applies to any corporation and $11,000 for individuals who publish prohibited gambling advertising.
In March, SportChamps was fined $40,000 and ordered to pay $14,000 in costs for breaching state gaming laws.
The company has been contacted for comment.
