The company behind the Draftstars fantasy sports platform in Australia has to pay a record AU$586,000 (US$394,691) penalty for offering illegal bonuses through its ads. Sydney’s Downing Centre local court issued the fine to PlayUp Interactive after it found the company guilty of offering inducements like free bets in 33 ads.

law prevents gambling operators from offering any incentive for a person to sign up

New South Wales (NSW) law prevents gambling operators from offering any incentive for a person to sign up for an account or refer their friends.

Talking about the action against PlayUp, Liquor & Gaming NSW Director of Compliance and Enforcement Dimitri Argeres said that the company should be fully aware of its advertising obligations and that the regulator takes a zero-tolerance approach, handing out sizable penalties for any breaches.

PlayUp is the biggest provider of fantasy sports contests in Australia, covering popular leagues like the AFL and NRL. The previous largest fine for offering gambling inducements was AU$210,000 (US$141,442) given to Betr last year following 14 rule breaches.

This latest penalty comes at a time when lawmakers in the country are seriously considering enforcing a blanket ban on gambling ads across radio, television, and streaming platforms.