Legal requirements for gambling advertising and promotions
If you've already completed your Responsible Service of Gambling (RSG) training, this course will help refresh your knowledge about:
- gaming-related advertising
- penalties for not complying with gaming legislation.
Once you've read the information, take the quiz to see how much you remember.
This course is designed to help gaming staff refresh their knowledge about key elements of RSG training. It doesn't replace RSG training and certification.
Complying with the law for gambling advertising and promotions
By law, gaming-related advertising (including signage in and outside venues) must:
- be based on fact
- not be false, deceptive or misleading
- not be indecent or offensive.
You must also ensure that gaming signage doesn't dominate external signage, marketing or promotions.
-
[Animation]
Kev appears on screen. He's sporting a wicked comb-over and rocking the sandals and socks with shorts look. He's standing outside his club that features neon signs on the wall, reading 'open' and 'bar'.
[Narrator]
This is Kev. He manages this club and considers himself a bit of an ad man.
[Animation]
A new sign appears in a smoke cloud. It reads 'Pokies. Everyone's a winner, baby!'
[Kev]
This one's sure to pull the crowds.
[Narrator]
Ah, that's false and misleading and could be seen as encouraging the misuse of pokies.
[Animation]
Kev's face drops. A new sign appears on the wall. It reads 'Invest in pokies. Safer than houses.'
[Kev]
How could you miss this one?
[Narrator]
Ah, that's not a reasonable statement.
[Animation]
Another sign appears, reading 'Beer. Nudes. Gambling. You can't lose!'
[Narrator]
Nope! That's not true.
[Animation]
Kev looks downcast.
[Kev]
Alright, here it is.
[Animation]
The last new sign appears on the wall. It reads '$50 000 in wins paid this week! $$$'.
[Narrator]
Sorry Kev. In Queensland, venues can only advertise externally if they comply with section 229 of the Gaming Machine Act 1991, and Practice 6 of the responsible gambling code of practice.
[Animation]
Kev puts up a compliant sign. It reads 'Food. Live bands. Keno.'
Your gambling advertising and promotions must be delivered responsibly. This includes ensuring your advertising and promotions:
- comply with the Australian Association of National Advertisers (AANA) Code of Ethics
- incorporate messages about gambling safely
- don't misrepresent the odds, prizes or chances of winning
- don't imply gambling is a reasonable strategy for financial improvement
- aren't directed at minors or vulnerable or disadvantaged groups
- don't promote drinking alcohol while gambling
- don't involve irresponsible trading practices.
You mustn't have external signs advertising winnings that have been paid. You could be breaching the law, which might result in a fine to your venue. The Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation (OLGR) monitors venues' social media activity and investigates complaints received.
Penalties for not complying with the law for gaming-related advertising
If your advertising breaches the Gaming Machine Act 1991 you can be directed to change it or stop it.
You can be fined up to a maximum penalty of $33,380 if you don't comply with this direction.
You can also be fined $33,380 or a maximum penalty of $33,380 if gambling dominates your external signage, marketing or promotional activities.
Also consider...
- Read:
- section 229 of the Gaming Machine Act 1991 (Advertising relating to gaming).
- schedule 2, Part 3, section 9 of the Gaming Machine Regulation 2002 (Signage or promotions).
Quiz: Legal requirements for gambling advertising and promotions
Take the quiz to test your knowledge about the responsible promotion and advertising of gambling and ensure you're following the law at your venue.
© The State of Queensland 1995–2026