SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
New Zealand’s Advertising Standards Association (ASA) has published its new advertising code, updating, policy, guidance and standards on promoting gambling services.
Updating NZ media and gambling stakeholders, ASA details that its new code will be effective from 5 August 2019 for new adverts, with all incumbents expected to comply with the new laws by 4 November 2019.
The new code has been developed by the ASA standards committee, with input from media owners, publishers and agency representatives.
In its mandate, the code seeks to introduce a higher standard of social responsibility in gambling advertising/marketing, whilst setting out new provisions in protecting under-age and vulnerable audiences.
“The purpose of the Gambling Advertising Code (Code) is to ensure that gambling advertising is conducted in a manner that demonstrates a high standard of social responsibility. All gambling advertisements must be legal, decent, honest and truthful and respect the principles of fair competition.
“This Code recognises that gambling advertisements must not undermine the need for the prevention and minimisation of gambling-related harm, with particular regard for the need to protect children, young people and other vulnerable persons.”
Furthermore, the code publishes new advertising policy on ‘truthful representation’ of gambling services and marketing terminology.
Moving forward, all NZ gambling advertisements must:-
- Make clear reference to promotional terms and conditions
- Use promotional T&Cs that are understood by the general public
- Gambling advertising cannot make claims on ‘winning chances’
- Adverts cannot exaggerate winning chances or prize sums
- Adverts cannot imply gambling as a ‘skill outcome’
- Clearly, display URL information of where gambling verticals can be accessed
The full content of New Zealand ASA 2019 Gambling Code can be found at – https://www.asa.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Gambling-Advertising-Code-2019.pdf
