Online gambling ads under threat from Labor reforms

The Australian federal government is poised to introduce significant reforms aimed at curbing gambling advertisements, with an initial focus on online platforms.

While fresh reports suggest a ban on TV gambling ads will take nearly two years to implement due to existing contractual obligations, immediate restrictions are expected to be enforced on online gambling advertisements.

Under the forthcoming reforms, the government plans to introduce measures that will prevent bookmakers from promoting their services on social media and other online platforms in the near future.

This move aligns with growing concerns about the pervasive nature of gambling ads and their impact on the public, especially younger audiences.

The new regulations are designed to address three key issues: the overwhelming saturation of gambling advertisements, the exposure of children to such ads, and the prevalence of gambling promotions during sports broadcasts.

However, a comprehensive blanket ban on all gambling advertising, as recommended by the late Labor MP Peta Murphy’s parliamentary committee, is not under consideration.

Communications Minister Michelle Rowland has been consulting with industry stakeholders about these advertising restrictions, which are part of a broader package of reforms that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is expected to approve.

Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth is handling many aspects of the proposed reforms, although the recommendation for a national online gambling regulator will not be pursued at this time.

“At this point that is not in the discussions with states and territories,” Rishworth said in a recent interview.

“What is in the discussion with states and territories is around how we better co-ordinate and move forward a unified effort when it comes to online gaming.”

Gambling news