Australian Government Succumbs to Pressure, Will Begin Gambling Ad Reform
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The reform effort originates from the 2023 parliamentary inquiry into online gambling and its associated harms, which produced 31 recommendations. Among the inquiry’s proposals was a phased, three-year prohibition on all online gambling advertising and the creation of a single national regulatory authority to oversee gambling operations across Australia. The inquiry emphasized the growing social and economic impact of gambling harm and pressed for stronger national-level safeguards.
According to reporting from The Strait, the government does not appear ready to pursue a complete ban on gambling advertising. Instead, it is working toward stricter limitations.
Under the plan currently being considered, television broadcasters would be restricted to no more than two gambling advertisements per hour from 6 am to 10 pm. Additional restrictions would apply to children’s programming and live sporting events, where all gambling-related promotions would be prohibited.
Industry opposition to a blanket ban has played a significant role in shaping the revised approach. Concerns have been raised that removing all regulated advertising could inadvertently create opportunities for unlicensed and illegal gambling operators to reach Australian consumers, particularly through online and offshore platforms.
Regulators and policymakers fear that such a scenario would reduce oversight and consumer protection while undermining the effectiveness of reforms.
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The Strait’s report also highlights a broader governance challenge, noting that 21 of the 31 recommendations from the inquiry involve shared responsibilities with state and territory governments. This means that progress on reforms requires negotiation and cooperation between multiple levels of government.
To address this complexity, Wells and her team are reportedly taking a collaborative approach, convening discussions with industry representatives and state authorities to identify areas of agreement before pushing ahead with legislation.
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