Paramount+ Faces Hefty Fine Over Offshore Bookmaker 8Xbet Ads

^{Pictured: 8Xbet advertising during the Wellington Phoenix vs. Brisbane Roar match}

Streaming platform Paramount+ aired advertisements for offshore bookmaker 8Xbet during a live broadcast available to viewers in New Zealand and Australia. The platform now faces potential legal action and significant fines, according to The Guardian.

The ads appeared during an Australian A-League match featuring Brisbane Roar and New Zealand’s Wellington Phoenix, with 8Xbet’s logo displayed prominently on digital boards around the field throughout the game.

The bookmaker is not licensed to operate in Australia or New Zealand, raising the likelihood of regulatory penalties against the streaming service.

Paramount+ denies responsibility, shifting the blame to an external advertising agency responsible for placing ads during the match.

“Paramount+ inadvertently broadcast some inserted virtual advertisements during the Wellington Phoenix and Brisbane Roar match live from New Zealand on Thursday, February 6, due to the international feed being provided, rather than the Australian feed. This feed is provided by a third party and Paramount+ is working urgently with the supplier now to ensure this does not happen again,” the company stated.