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News.com.au
11 hours ago
- Business
- News.com.au
Tab fined $4m for sending thousands of text messages
Australia's largest gambling company Tabcorp has been slapped with a $4,003,270 fine after sending its VIP customers thousands of messages over text and WhatsApp without giving people a way to unsubscribe. The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) found the waging company sent 2598 SMS and WhatsApp messages to its VIP customers in the three months between February 1 and May 1, 2024. ACMA also found that 3148 SMS and WhatsApp messages did not contain adequate sender information across the same period, and 11 SMS messages were sent without consent between February 15 and April 29, 2024. While these messages were sent to VIP customers, ACMA said there was a difference between them and traditional 'high rollers'. ACMA said customers receiving these messages may not have the same means to deal with significant losses. ACMA authority member Samantha Yorke said the breaches were deeply concerning as they involved noncompliance by a large and established gambling provider that targeted VIP program customers. 'This is the first time the ACMA has investigated and found spam breaches in a gambling VIP program,' she said. 'These programs often involve personalised messages offering incentives such as bonus bets, deposit matching, rebates and offers of tickets to sporting and other events. 'The gambling industry needs to understand that spam laws apply to all direct marketing — whether it's generic campaigns or personalised messages.' The spamming occurred before chief executive Gill McLachlan joined the business. In a statement to NewsWire, Tabcorp acknowledged the ACMA's findings. 'Tabcorp is remediating and significantly improving our processes, systems and overall compliance pursuant to an enforceable undertaking, a TAB spokesperson said. 'Tabcorp assisted the ACMA throughout the investigation and will continue to work closely with the regulator to ensure ongoing improved compliance.' Under the Spam Act 2003, businesses must have consent before sending marketing messages. But customers who are sent messages with consent must have a way of unsubscribing should they no longer want to receive the communications. 'When people make choices to unsubscribe from a service they must be able to do so easily and their decisions must be respected by companies,' Ms Yorke said. TAB has also entered into a three-year court-enforceable undertaking, which includes an independent review of its direct marketing systems, quarterly audits of its VIP direct marketing, staff training, and regular reporting to the ACMA.
Vogue
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Vogue
Reem Acra Resort 2026 Collection
At her resort appointment, Reem Acra mentioned how last season's best-selling item also happened to be its showstopper: a strapless beaded gown with a matching capelet. The demand was so high that it sold out multiple times, and there are still requests coming in from VIP customers. Although Acra's clients are devoted to glitz and glamour, the designer wanted the collection to reflect more of her own self and what she's into these days. For her, the resort season is synonymous with vacation, hence the breezy caftans worn with fabulous flat mules. 'It's the little details that can change the whole look,' she explained. The gowns can be dressed up for evening, or even worn the aughts-boho way, with a flower crown. While looking through her archive Acra fell in love again with the bird motif that 's been used on the brand's wrapping paper for the past 25 years, and incorporated it into the collection. You'll find beaded bird motifs embroidered onto gowns, or stamped onto leather belts. Winged creatures were an obvious influence on a strapless mauve gown—this season's pièce de résistance—with layered beaded feathers on the bodice and a cascading train that followed behind. When you walk away from the party at the end of the night, you'll look like a bird migrating back home after the long winter.
