Australian Gambling Ad Ban Delayed Until 2025

Australia’s long-anticipated gambling ad ban will not move forward this year, leaving reforms on hold until 2025.

With Senate resistance and legislative delays, the path to stricter advertising laws remains unclear, frustrating advocates and opposition.

Discover how the delay impacts gambling reform and what this means for future efforts to regulate gambling advertising in Australia.

Learn the key reasons behind the postponement and how stakeholders plan to address the issue moving forward.

Australian Gambling Ad Ban Delayed, No Progress Until 2025

Key Points:

1. Ad Ban Delayed: Australia’s gambling ad ban faces delays, with no progress expected until 2025 due to Senate opposition.
2. Advocates Demand Action: Anti-gambling groups and the Greens push for a comprehensive ban on gambling advertisements.
3. State-Level Reforms: NSW implements stricter ATM placement rules to curb gambling-related harm in venues.

Australian Gambling Ad Ban Postponed to 2025

Australia’s plans to introduce stricter regulations on gambling advertising have hit a roadblock, with no progress expected until 2025. Communications Minister Michelle Rowland has withdrawn a proposed misinformation bill tied to the reforms, citing an inability to secure sufficient support in the Senate.

Employment Minister Murray Watt confirmed the setback, stating, “There is simply not going to be enough time this week to pass that legislation.” Trade Minister Don Farrell echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that such efforts often take longer than anticipated.

Despite the delay, the government remains committed to revisiting the issue. Farrell highlighted Rowland’s determination, noting, “She knows what she wants in this area and will continue discussions.”

Advocacy Groups Push for Comprehensive Gambling Ad Ban

Advocates and opposition parties have voiced frustration over the delay. Anti-gambling groups and the Greens have been pushing for a total ban on gambling advertisements, as recommended by the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs.

In October, the Greens introduced their own bill calling for an immediate ban on online gambling ads and a phased restriction on television advertising by 2026. Reports from September had indicated government interest in a partial ban, but Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has stated that no final decision has been made.

The committee, led by Labor MP Peta Murphy, identified gambling ads as a significant contributor to harm, particularly among vulnerable groups. Advocates argue that decisive action is necessary to address these issues effectively.

New ATM Rules for NSW Venues

In parallel with the national debate on gambling reform, Liquor & Gaming NSW (L&GNSW) has reminded gaming venues of new ATM placement rules coming into effect on January 1, 2025.

Under these rules, ATMs or EFTPOS terminals must be positioned at least five meters from the entrance to any gaming area. Additionally, ATMs cannot be visible from gaming rooms.

The regulator emphasized that non-compliant venues may apply for exemptions but only under specific conditions. Exemptions will be considered if compliance would result in violations of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 or the Work Health and Safety Act 2011.

To help venues adapt, L&GNSW is hosting a webinar to provide guidance and practical advice. The session will include insights from inspectors and a Q&A opportunity for venue operators.

The Road Ahead for Gambling Reforms

While Australia’s gambling ad ban remains stalled, the government’s continued focus on reform suggests it will return to the legislative agenda in 2025. The delay highlights the challenges of balancing public health concerns with industry and political pressures.

Meanwhile, Liquor & Gaming NSW’s enforcement of new ATM rules reflects a broader trend toward tighter gambling regulations at the state level. These measures aim to mitigate gambling harm, even as national reforms face hurdles.

Australia’s push to regulate gambling advertising remains a contentious issue, with delays sparking frustration among advocates for reform. The deferral to 2025 underscores the complexities of enacting national gambling legislation.

As state-level efforts like NSW’s new ATM rules gain traction, the broader fight against gambling harm continues. With stakeholders on all sides eager for resolution, 2025 could mark a pivotal year for the country’s gambling industry.

The post Australian Gambling Ad Ban Delayed Until 2025 appeared first on Gamingo News.

Australia’s long-anticipated gambling ad ban will not move forward this year, leaving reforms on hold until 2025. With Senate resistance and legislative delays, the path to stricter advertising laws remains unclear, frustrating advocates and opposition. Discover how the delay impacts gambling reform and what this means for future efforts to regulate gambling advertising in Australia.
The post Australian Gambling Ad Ban Delayed Until 2025 appeared first on Gamingo News.