ACT lawmakers pushing for tighter restrictions on gambling ads

The government of the Australian Capital Territory is set to implement harsh restrictions on sports gambling ads following reports from senior ministers about their impact on viewers.

Shane Rattenbury, ACT’s attorney general, revealed that the territory would likely enforce new rules if the federal government fails to place stronger restrictions following a parliamentary inquiry. He previously stated that the gambling industry’s practice of airing ads targeted at a younger audience was “insidious”.

Recently, Rattenbury explained that the federal government was expected to make needed changes on banning the ads because they possess the majority of the legal levers. The ACT is reportedly reviewing South Australia’s gambling regime, which prohibits gaming operators from airing ads between 4pm and 7:30pm.

The attorney general pointed out earlier this month that whatever gambling measures the government intended to implement should include television and radio. This will ensure that the reform affects all areas rather than allow operators to shift their promotions to different media.

Talking to the parliamentary inquiry into digital gambling harm, Rattenbury said, “We would like to see far greater restriction, if not an outright ban, on a range of gambling advertising, particularly at times when younger people are watching, but across the board.”

Federal crossbenchers Rebekha Sharkie and Monique Ryan recently joined the increasing number of politicians to speak out about gambling promotions and advertisements in circulation.

Sharkie disclosed that she wanted to introduce a blanket ban on gambling ads on television and radio, much like with tobacco advertisements.

“I would like to see online gambling banned on television and on radio altogether. We have seen not just the AFL but a lot of major sporting codes become so dependent on online gambling revenue. I just find the advertising so incredibly predatory, particularly towards young men,” she said.

Ryan revealed several of her Kooyong constituents had spoken against the gaming industry and its close ties to the AFL. She explained that promoting gambling alongside sport normalised the practice for younger people.

Per the AFL Fans Association’s recent survey of more than 3,000 individuals, 76% of AFL fans support a gambling ban involving television and radio, and 79% want a gambling ban in the stadiums.

Ryan asserted that practical reforms needed to be introduced to TV and radio broadcasters to reduce how much younger people are exposed to gambling ads.

“I’d support stricter limits on the times ads can be placed, the shows/events in which they can be placed, and a limit to the total percentage of time that can be sold by broadcasters for gambling advertising,” she disclosed.

Speaking in opposition to further gambling restrictions, the peak body for Australia’s leading sporting codes claimed that resources for grassroots programs would be considerably affected.