$2.75 million wrap on the knuckles for bet365

Australia’s consumer watchdog, the ACCC, has issued bet365 with a $2.75 million fine for misleading customers with a ‘free bet’ offer.

The promo, which ran back in 2013, promised $200 in free bets for new customers. Of course there were terms attached to this offer – key among these being the requirements to:

• first deposit and bet $200 to unlock the $200 in free bets, and then
• gamble the deposit and bonus three times before the net proceeds from the bonus could be withdrawn.

Sound familiar? Deposit and times-wagered terms have been around for as long as online casinos have been handing out bonuses.

According to ACCC top dog Rod Sims,

“… if the restrictions and limitations had been appropriately brought to consumers’ attention, they would have been able to recognise that there was no ‘free’ bet, particularly given that they had to risk their own money before making such a bet.”

Not sure what he means by ‘appropriately brought to consumers’ attention. Perhaps it’s too much to ask that punters click on the terms and conditions link and read the terms attached to the offer?

“These penalties should serve as a warning to all businesses that is it not acceptable to promote ‘free’ offers as a headline offer without ensuring that any restrictions or limitations are disclosed in a prominent way.”

I guess promotional banners down under will contain considerably more detail from now on; or much larger terms and conditions links?

Punters elsewhere should always remember to read the terms of any offer, secure in the knowledge that there will be a little more to the offer than the 3 word headline.