Australian government reportedly starts to move on gambling ad reform

Labor wants to get the legislation before parliament this year.

Australia.- The federal government reportedly plans to introduce legislation to reform gambling advertising before the end of the parliamentary year. The Straight reports that communications minister Anika Wells has been in discussions with key stakeholders in the wagering, advertising and media industries.

Advertising reform was among 31 recommendations to emerge from a 2023 parliamentary inquiry into online gambling and its impacts. The report called for a ban on all forms of advertising for online gambling, to be phased in over three years, as well as the establishment of a national gambling regulator to oversee licensing and regulation nationwide.

Under proposals leaked to the media in August last year, gambling ads on television would be restricted to two per hour between 6am and 10pm, with bans around sports events and children’s TV times. A total ban on online advertising in the wagering category seems less likely due to concerns that it would benefit grey or black market operators.

In August, Prime minister Anthony Albanese expressed caution on calls for a ban despite pressure from reform advocates and recommendations from parliamentary inquiries, but opposition and anti-gambling advocates continue to say a ban is needed.

In October, the Australian Greens party submitted the Communications Legislation Amendment (Regional Broadcasting Continuity) Bill 2024, prompted by “continued delays by the government” in introducing the total ban. However, the bill was rejected in the Senate. The Greens plan to reintroduce it when parliament resumes in February.

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See also: Australian PM still cautious on gambling ad ban

Labor wants to get the legislation before parliament this year. Australia.- The federal government reportedly plans to introduce legislation to reform gambling advertising before the end of the parliamentary year….