The Australian government has announced long-awaited gambling advertising reforms, after years of public pressure. The suite of measures will further limit when and where gambling ads can appear, as well as who can star in them - but it stops short of a full ban, which had cross-party support and the backing of a range of community groups. Restrictions have been fiercely opposed by powerful gambling agencies, as well as media firms and sports organisations who feared a steep revenue hit. Australians lose more money to gambling, per capita, than anywhere else in the world.
A number of countries - like Italy, Belgium and Spain - have introduced total or near-total bans on gambling advertising, and a parliamentary inquiry weighing up reform in Australia recommended similar more than 1000 days ago. In a speech to the National Press Club, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said his government was getting the balance right with this package. Letting adults have a punt if they want to, but making sure our children don't see betting ads everywhere they look.
Under the reforms, starting January 1: 1) TV ads from betting agencies will be capped at three per hour between 6am and 8:30pm and banned completely during live sports broadcasts. 2) Gambling ads will be banned from radio during school pick-up and drop-off times. 3) Celebrities and sports players will not be permitted to appear in gambling advertising. 4) Gambling ads on online platforms will be banned unless users are logged in, over 18, and can opt-out. 5) Gambling ads will be outlawed in sports venues and on players' uniforms.
The government will also crack down on illegal offshore gaming sites and ban more types of online gambling, including Keno and poker machine models. Responses from the gambling industry have been critical; organizations like Responsible Wagering Australia called the measures draconian. Meanwhile, advocates for stricter regulations argue that the changes do not go far enough to protect children and vulnerable populations from gambling harm.
A number of countries - like Italy, Belgium and Spain - have introduced total or near-total bans on gambling advertising, and a parliamentary inquiry weighing up reform in Australia recommended similar more than 1000 days ago. In a speech to the National Press Club, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said his government was getting the balance right with this package. Letting adults have a punt if they want to, but making sure our children don't see betting ads everywhere they look.
Under the reforms, starting January 1: 1) TV ads from betting agencies will be capped at three per hour between 6am and 8:30pm and banned completely during live sports broadcasts. 2) Gambling ads will be banned from radio during school pick-up and drop-off times. 3) Celebrities and sports players will not be permitted to appear in gambling advertising. 4) Gambling ads on online platforms will be banned unless users are logged in, over 18, and can opt-out. 5) Gambling ads will be outlawed in sports venues and on players' uniforms.
The government will also crack down on illegal offshore gaming sites and ban more types of online gambling, including Keno and poker machine models. Responses from the gambling industry have been critical; organizations like Responsible Wagering Australia called the measures draconian. Meanwhile, advocates for stricter regulations argue that the changes do not go far enough to protect children and vulnerable populations from gambling harm.
