NETWORK Ten and the Nine Network breached their broadcasting obligations by promoting an online poker site, the media watchdog has declared.

But the stations have escaped with what is effectively a slap on the wrist, with the Australian Communications and Media Authority ordering they hold staff training meetings.



In the first investigation by the authority into breaches of the Interactive Gambling Act (IGA), Nine came under scrutiny for advertisements played during its 2009 Wimbledon coverage, while Ten was probed for billboard ads that were run before a weekly sports show.



The IGA prohibits the promotion of interactive gambling services.



In their defence, the networks both argued pokerstars.net did not promote gambling because players join for free.



But the authority said the website was clearly aimed at directing users to pokerstars.com, which was a gambling site.



"All providers of television, radio and datacasting service need to ensure they are fully aware of and comply with their obligations under the IGA," authority chairman Chris Chapman said in a statement.



A spokesman said broadcasters faced stricter licence conditions or court action if found to be in breach of the IGA.

Originally published as Nine, Ten chided over poker ads