Bet365 apologises after children wear gambling logos in charity race – as it happened

Bet365 Issues Formal Apology After Minors Spotted in Gambling Branding at Charity Event

Senate Inquiry Highlights Concerns Over Children’s Exposure to Gambling Industry

Wanderstayfinder.com – Australia’s prominent online betting operator has formally expressed regret to federal lawmakers after footage emerged showing young participants at a local sporting event wearing branded merchandise from the gambling company. The apology comes following concerns raised during a parliamentary investigation into the matter.

The incident occurred in April when children were invited to participate in a relay running competition hosted by the Terang Racing Club. The victorious team was promised a thousand dollars from Bet365, with the prize money designated for donation to a community sports organization. Video recordings of the occasion were subsequently aired on the Racing.com digital platform.

Viewers watching the broadcast noticed several young competitors sporting racing bibs and caps prominently displaying the Bet365 corporate emblem. During one segment of the coverage, the on-air presenter remarked on the apparent age of participants on one particular team, noting that the average age appeared to be approximately thirteen or fourteen years old.

One parent attending the racecourse expressed concern about children being surrounded by gambling industry branding and subsequently lodged a complaint with ACT independent senator David Pocock. The senator then brought the issue to the attention of Bet365 during a parliamentary inquiry examining various matters.

Company Response Emphasizes Commitment to Regulatory Standards

In a formal statement submitted to the inquiry, Bet365 acknowledged that it had not been informed about its merchandise being distributed to young participants. The company emphasized that such an occurrence would not have been permitted under normal circumstances.

Bet365 is sorry that this happened and would like the community to know that it has never and will never authorise or cause minors to wear Bet365 clothing or marketing. Bet365 takes its legal and regulatory responsibilities very seriously and was shocked and embarrassed to learn that its branding had been used in this way.

The betting operator clarified that the decision to provide clothing to the children was made independently by volunteers associated with the Terang Racing Club. Representatives from the club have been approached for further comment regarding the situation.

Broader News Developments

Meanwhile, other significant developments have emerged across Australian politics and business. KPMG has reached out to the whistleblower responsible for exposing audit leak scandals, offering an apology ahead of a scheduled inquiry into the firm’s handling of the matter.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese held discussions with United States President Donald Trump overnight, describing their conversation as productive and substantial. The leaders addressed multiple global and regional concerns during their exchange.

Parents whose children took their own lives have rejected assertions that the recently introduced social media ban for under-sixteens is ineffective. These advocates, who campaigned for the legislation before its implementation, are urging the government to raise penalty amounts beyond the proposed ninety-nine million dollar threshold for non-compliance.

Qantas has processed refunds for numerous passengers aboard an A380 aircraft that experienced extended delays following mechanical problems. The flight issues resulted in travelers being stranded in Johannesburg, South Africa, for two consecutive nights.

Johnny Young, the celebrated singer-songwriter and producer behind the beloved variety program Young Talent Time, has passed away at the age of seventy-nine.

KPMG Lawyer’s Emotional Testimony

James McLelland, deputy chief lawyer at KPMG, delivered moving evidence to a parliamentary committee regarding the audit leak investigation. McLelland stated that he conducted an initial examination following instructions from former chief executive Andrew Yates in late December 2024, with updates provided in June 2025.

I’m of the view that the work that I undertook was fundamentally undermined by the answers that were given, which were misleading if not directly deceptive, to the questions that I asked; and undermined by limitations in scope … I’ve never had an opportunity to meet the whistleblower. I want to take the opportunity to say I am sorry. I am sorry I have been part of this.

McLelland’s voice faltered as he expressed his regret, appearing visibly emotional during his testimony. Committee chair Deb O’Neill offered words of encouragement and suggested he take a glass of water.

There is a clarion sound of truth in what you’ve put on the record there.

Additional developments include Victoria’s former Labor premier Jacinta Allan announcing her intention to retire from politics at the next election, and shadow housing minister Andrew Bragg clarifying his position on building standards after initial comments were misinterpreted.

Former CFMEU leader John Setka has faced charges from Victorian police following an investigation into allegedly threatening communications sent to union administrators. These developments collectively reflect a busy period of political and institutional activity across Australia.