Sportsbet Suspends Spotify Advertising After Alleged Children's Music Insertion

Sportsbet have reportedly suspended their advertising efforts on streaming giant Spotify following complaints of gambling ads being allegedly inserted between children’s songs.

As The Guardian reports, the news comes following a complaint made by a user of the streaming service who noticed that ads from the Melbourne-based gambling company were appearing alongside music directed at younger listeners.

“I love Spotify and completely understand your need to generate income,” the unnamed father said in his complaint. “However, playing Sportsbet’s ads before and after Disney songs is inappropriate and potentially damaging to my children.

“My kids love Disney and frequently listen to Moana, Frozen and other songs [including] the Wiggles and Bluey songs probably not associated nor the first choice for punters.”

The crux of this issue relates to the fact that the account which received this advertising does belong to the father, which is in line with Spotify’s regulations that any ads related to gambling or similarly-restricted topics are only served to listeners above the age of 18.

However, the complainant has raised his concerns as to whether such advertising should be inserted between songs typically listened to by younger audiences – regardless of whether the advertising practices are being adhered to.

As it stands, all ads on Spotify are vetted to ensure they are compliant with local regulations, with the platform’s approach to gambling advertising resulting in geo-targeted ads delivered only to users above the age of 18 in the regions, territories, and states where gambling is allowed.

In 2020, Spotify launched their Kids app as part of their Premium Family Subscription, with the ad-free app designed to cater to children in lieu of their ability to actively subscribe to the platform.

In a statement given to The Guardian, Sportsbet have noted they have paused their advertising with the streaming service while a solution is sought.

“Sportsbet’s advertising on Spotify and all social media channels uses age gating measures, and excludes kids and family content as an additional control,” a spokesperson for Sportsbet said.

“We are disappointed this has happened and have paused advertising on Spotify while the issue is rectified.”

Notably, this story also comes just days after Australia’s proposed ban on social media for those under the age of 16 was passed by federal parliament. The ban, however, won’t take effect until next year.