Australia’s gambling ad reforms to cut spending by just 0.8%, government analysis shows

Impact report estimates a US$43.5m annual decline, as policymakers opt for partial restrictions over a full ad ban to limit industry disruption.

Australia.- The upcoming restrictions on gambling advertising in Australia are expected to have a limited impact on gambling activity, according to a government analysis. A report prepared by the Office of Impact Analysis (OIA) estimates that the reforms will lower gambling expenditure by just 0.8 per cent, or AU$62.7m (US$43.5m) per year.

According to the report, around 2,461 stakeholders will be affected, including betting operators, broadcasters, digital platforms and content creators.

The government has opted for partial restrictions, arguing that a complete ad ban would hurt media companies and sports organisations. Gambling ads will be banned during live sports broadcasts on television and limited during daytime hours. On the radio, ads will not be allowed during school drop-off and pick-up times. The reforms also prohibit gambling promotions in stadiums, on players’ uniforms, and in ads featuring celebrities or athletes.

There will also be a “triple lock” system for online platforms. Gambling ads will be blocked by default unless three conditions are met: the user must be over 18, logged into an account and able to opt out of seeing betting ads. This will extend to streaming platforms, podcasts, app stores, and official sports league websites and apps.

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Impact report estimates a US$43.5m annual decline, as policymakers opt for partial restrictions over a full ad ban to limit industry disruption. Australia.- The upcoming restrictions on gambling advertising in Australia are expected to have a limited impact on gambling activity, according to a government analysis. A report prepared by the Office of Impact Analysis…