Tabcorp fined over US$2.6M for breaching spam laws in VIP customer campaign
Summary
Tabcorp Holdings Limited has been penalised AU$4 million (about US$2.61 million) by Australia’s communications authority for violating spam laws through unauthorised marketing messages sent to its VIP customers. An investigation revealed the company sent over 5,700 compliance-breaching SMS and WhatsApp messages from February to May 2024, lacking essential unsubscribe options and proper sender identification.
These violations mark a notable enforcement action by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) against a gambling VIP programme, specifically concerning the compliance of targeted marketing practices.
Key Points
- ACMA penalised Tabcorp AU$4 million for breaching spam laws related to VIP customer marketing.
- Investigation found more than 5,700 marketing messages sent without compliance to the Spam Act 2003.
- Penalties included messages that offered no opt-out and lacked requisite sender identification.
- This enforcement action is a first for ACMA regarding VIP gambling programmes.
- Tabcorp has agreed to a three-year compliance undertaking, including independent reviews and system upgrades.
Why should I read this?
This article breaks down a significant wake-up call for gambling operators and marketers. Tabcorp’s hefty fine serves as a warning that regulators are stepping up their scrutiny regarding compliance in digital marketing, particularly within the gambling sector. If you’re interested in how regulations evolve and impact the gaming landscape, this is worth a read!
