Australia to ban gambling ads during live daytime sport

The new measures include a cap on gambling ads on daytime TV.

Australia.- The Australian government has announced restrictions on gambling advertising. New rules to take effect on January 1, 2027 will cap gambling ads at three per hour during non-sporting daytime TV and ban all gambling ads during live sports broadcasts between 6am and 8.30pm. The measures also include a ban on radio ads during school commute hours.

Sports stars and celebrities will be prohibited from appearing in gambling advertisements, gambling logos will be removed from player uniforms and prohibited from signage within sports venues. Ads on online platforms will only be permitted when a user is over 18, logged in, and has not opted out.

The reforms, announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, seek to address public health concerns regarding gambling addiction and the “normalisation” of betting among minors. “We’re getting the balance right here, letting adults have a punt if they want to but also making sure Australian children don’t see betting ads everywhere they look,” Albanese stated. “What we don’t want is kids growing up thinking that footy and gambling are the same thing.

Divided response

Measures on gambling ads in Australia have been expected since a 2023 parliamentary inquiry. Gambling reform advocates and Independent MPs have already expressed disappointment that the government has opted not to adopt a total ban on all online gambling ads, as recommended by the inquiry. Independent MP Kate Chaney described the response as “big on talk, small on substance,” suggesting it favours “powerful vested interests” over vulnerable citizens.

Conversely, the gambling industry reacted with alarm. Kai Cantwell, CEO of Responsible Wagering Australia, labelled the measures “draconian” and warned of a “dangerous precedent.”

“Today it’s gambling advertising, tomorrow it’s alcohol, then it’s sugary drinks, fast food… who knows what else comes next,” Cantwell said, adding that the sector was “blindsided” by the announcement.

Broadcasters have also voiced concerns about the loss of advertising revenue.

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The new measures include a cap on gambling ads on daytime TV. Australia.- The Australian government has announced restrictions on gambling advertising. New rules to take effect on January 1, 2027 will cap gambling ads at three per hour during non-sporting daytime TV and ban all gambling ads during live sports broadcasts between 6am and…