Operators have been warned to follow New South Wales’ gaming advertising laws after Bet365 and Unibet became the latest companies to be prosecuted and fined.

Both companies pleaded guilty to charges by Downing Centre Local Court of breaching rules in the Australian state, with Unibet fined Aus$7,500 (€4,777/$5,190) for three misdemeanours and Bet365 told to pay $5,000 for two indiscretions.

The pair were also ordered to refund the regulatory Office of Liquor, Gaming & Racing’s (OLGR) professional costs of $5,000. The prosecutions follow similar convictions brought against Ladbrokes, ClassicBet and Sportsbetting.com.au in recent months. Tabcorp said last month that it will contest similar charges.

Northern Territory-licensed Betchoice – trading as Unibet - had been charged over publishing gambling advertising on its website offering a credit and reward as an inducement on August 31, 2015. Magistrate Susan McIntyre said the legislation was clear and Unibet’s breaches were flagrant and it was hard to believe a corporation of its size was unaware of requirements.

The court heard that North Sydney-based wagering operator Hillside (Australia New Media) – trading as Bet365 - offered deals to customers in September and October that were found to breach regulations.

An OLGR statement read: “While the Bet365 advertisements stated the offers were not available to NSW residents, when OLGR inspectors tested those apparent restrictions they found that NSW residents were still able to participate.”

OLGR acting director of compliance & enforcement Sean Goodchild said: “Licensed wagering operators should ensure that they do not publish gambling advertising that offers an inducement for NSW residents to participate in gambling activities.”