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TAB cops fine after sending over 5,700 messages to VIP customers without an option to unsubscribe.
Following an investigation by the Australian Communications and Media Authority, Tabcorp Holdings Limited has been levied a $4,003,270 fine after the company was found to have violated Australian spam laws.
Between February and May 2024, Tabcorp sent 2,598 WhatsApp and text messages to its VIP customers without an option to unsubscribe, and 3,148 messages that did not contain necessary information about the sender.
In addition, Tabcorp also sent 11 messages without any consent whatsoever between February 15 and April 29 of the same year.
“This is the first time the ACMA has investigated and found spam breaches in a gambling VIP program. These programs often involve personalised messages offering incentives such as bonus bets, deposit matching, rebates and offers of tickets to sporting and other events,” Samantha Yorke, ACMA spokesperson, said in a June 17 statement.
“The gambling industry needs to understand that spam laws apply to all direct marketing – whether it’s generic campaigns or personalised messages.
“VIPs should not be confused with gambling ‘high-rollers’. These types of gambling VIP programs can involve customers who are not well off and are experiencing significant losses.
“It is utterly unacceptable that TAB did not have adequate spam compliance systems in place.”
Tabcorp has now entered into a three-year court-enforceable undertaking that also includes an independent review of its marketing programs, quarterly audits, and staff training requirements. Tabcorp will also be required to make regular reports to the ACMA.
“The ACMA will be watching closely to ensure TAB meets its commitments and complies with the spam laws in future,” Yorke said.
David Hollingworth has been writing about technology for over 20 years, and has worked for a range of print and online titles in his career. He is enjoying getting to grips with cyber security, especially when it lets him talk about Lego.
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