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Government announces gambling advertising reforms
The Australian government has revealed new measures to curb gambling advertisements, responding to years of public demand for stricter controls. However, the reforms fall short of a complete ban, despite cross-party support and advocacy from community groups.
Key changes and timeline
The reforms, announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the National Press Club on Thursday, aim to limit when and where gambling ads appear, as well as who can feature in them. The restrictions will take effect from January 1.
Additional measures include cracking down on illegal offshore gaming sites and banning certain online gambling formats, such as Keno and apps modeled on poker machines.
Industry opposition
The gambling sector has strongly opposed the reforms, warning of significant financial losses. Responsible Wagering Australia, the industry's peak body, called the measures "draconian" and warned they could set a precedent for regulating other industries.
"Today it's gambling advertising, tomorrow it's alcohol, then it's sugary drinks, fast food, critical minerals and who knows what else comes next,"
Kai Cantwell, Chief Executive, Responsible Wagering Australia
Cantwell argued the government had overlooked a sector that supports 30,000 jobs and provides critical funding to sports, racing, and broadcast industries.
Sportsbet, one of Australia's largest betting agencies, expressed concerns that the "overly blunt" restrictions could push more Australians toward illegal offshore betting sites, which operate without the same regulations.
Criticism from reform advocates
Advocates for stricter gambling controls have also criticized the reforms, arguing they do not go far enough. Reverend Tim Costello, a prominent campaigner, compared the current advertising volume to "three cigarette ads per hour."
"Australian children deserve to grow up in a country that puts their wellbeing before corporate profits."
Reverend Tim Costello, Alliance for Gambling Reform
The Alliance for Gambling Reform has called for a complete ban on gambling ads across broadcast and digital platforms, along with the establishment of a national regulator.
Australian Medical Association vice-president Julian Rait echoed these concerns, stating that "partial bans do not work" and that only a comprehensive ban would protect Australians, particularly children, from relentless gambling promotion.
Global context
Australia has the highest per capita gambling losses in the world. Countries like Italy, Belgium, and Spain have already implemented total or near-total bans on gambling advertising. A parliamentary inquiry in Australia had recommended similar measures over 1,000 days ago.
Prime Minister Albanese defended the government's approach, stating it was "getting the balance right" by allowing adults to gamble while shielding children from pervasive betting ads.
