Ten has been found in breach of broadcasting rules after airing gambling advertisements during the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix in March 2024.
An Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) investigation revealed that four gambling ads were shown at prohibited times during the first practice round of the event—violating the Commercial TV Code of Practice. The Code strictly prohibits gambling promotions during live sporting broadcasts between 5am and 8.30pm, including within five minutes before and after the event.
Carolyn Lidgerwood, an ACMA authority member, emphasised that these restrictions exist to minimise gambling-related harm.
“Broadcasters should have strict controls in place to ensure compliance with the restrictions on gambling ads during sporting events,” Lidgerwood said.
While practice and qualifying rounds for motorsports fall under the same advertising restrictions as the main race, this is Ten’s first breach of the gambling ad rules. The broadcaster attributed the mistake to human error and has since implemented stronger ad scheduling controls, enhanced staff training, and agreed to an internal review at ACMA’s request.
This is not the first time ACMA has flagged gambling-related breaches within Network 10. A separate investigation last year found its streaming platform 10 Play aired gambling ads during two live-streamed sports events, also violating online advertising rules.
“The ACMA will closely monitor these actions and Network Ten’s compliance with the broadcasting and online gambling advertising rules,” Lidgerwood added.
Ten will submit a written progress report to the ACMA to demonstrate its corrective measures.
A Ten spokesperson told Mediaweek: “We assisted the Australian Communications and Media Authority’s (ACMA) to understand how the advertising breach in our television broadcast occurred.
“It was inadvertent and due to human error.
“We take our advertising obligations seriously and have improved our systems, processes, practices and staff training in relation to this error.
“We are committed to a program of continuous review and enhancement to ensure ongoing compliance for advertising rules.”