Seven Network Operations Ltd has been penalised by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) for breaching online content rules. The network was found to have aired gambling advertising outside the specified times during live sports coverage on its streaming service, 7plus.

The breach occurred at 10.38am during a live stream of an NFL American Football game on 12 December 2022. This incident follows a formal warning issued to Seven in October 2022 for a similar breach. According to the regulations, gambling promotions cannot be shown during live streams of sporting events between 5am and 8.30pm, including the five minutes before and after a game.

In response to the breach, Seven has paid a penalty of $13,320, the maximum amount the ACMA is able to apply in these circumstances.

Seven has assured the ACMA that the streaming of the ad was an isolated event and that it has implemented additional mitigation measures to avoid future errors. These measures include additional oversight and training. MI3 understands the breach is attributed to an isolated instance of human error and was streamed to fewer than 1000 end users.

"The ACMA expects broadcasters to have robust systems and processes and associated assurance mechanisms in place to support compliance with these laws," ACMA Chair Nerida O’Loughlin stated. "Seven has told us that the measures it has in place are adequate to ensure future compliance and it does not need to do more. Following repeated breaches by Seven, we will continue to closely monitor their compliance with the rules to make sure that is the case."

The ACMA's focus on minimising gambling harm continues to be a compliance priority for the 2023-24 period.