Aussies have their say on new gambling advertising restrictions

THE Australian public can now submit their opinion on the television gambling advertising restrictions draft provisions.

Free TV Australia has commenced the consultation period, with the public eligible to comment on the new gambling advertising restrictions, set to be included in the Commercial Television Industry Code of Practice.

The announcement follows on from Commercial Radio Australia (CRA) opening its consultation period on radio gambling advertising restrictions to the public.

The two media platforms have drafted the new provisions after the Turnbull government announced plans to restrict gambling ads in September, in line with a new media reform package.

The draft provisions maintain the same restrictions as previously announced, including a ban on gambling advertising between 5 am and 8:30 pm with the following restrictions:

• A blanket ban on commercials featuring betting and gambling during live sporting events, including during scheduled and unscheduled breaks;
• A complete ban on commercials featuring betting and gambling five minutes before the game and five minutes after.

The rules apply to each sporting event and game in a tournament, like the Rugby World Cup, and to every individual match in long form sporting events, such as the Australian Open.

Free TV Acting CEO, Pamela Longstaff, said that “Free TV is committed to ensuring that the Code meets community expectations, including in relation to gambling advertising.”

“These significant restrictions will prevent gambling advertising being broadcast during live sports at times that children are likely to be watching,” she added.

“Of course, to be effective, these safeguards must apply consistently across all platforms including online.”

Free TV networks rely on gambling advertising as a source of income and were initially disgruntled over the announcement to reduce these types of ads, especially given they had to pay $150 million in licensing fees last year.

However, Communications Minister, Mitch Fifield, announced a $40 million spectrum fee in conjunction with the new gambling restrictions, prompting networks to support the changes.

Online sportsbooks have also been supportive of the restrictions, with several corporate bookmakers stating that it will decrease the volume of gambling ads.

Restrictions on gambling advertising introduced in 2013, including a ban on odds during live sporting events and the promotion of odds by commentators and guests 30 minutes before and after the game, remain.

The draft provisions are open for public comment up until December 15, 2017. They will then be reviewed by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) and, provided they are approved, they will come into effect in March 2018.

You can read all the details of the Gambling Consultation package on the Free TV website, and submit your comments by post to 44 Avenue Road, Mosman NSW 2088 or email [email protected].