The Australian government is preparing to implement significant reforms targeting gambling advertisements, which will affect television and online platforms. According to Sky News, these measures are still under cabinet review and aim to reduce the widespread exposure of the Australian public, especially children, to gambling content.
Phased Implementation and Legislative Focus:
The proposed reforms are expected to immediately ban online gambling ads, with particular attention to social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and other digital venues. In contrast, TV gambling ads will face a phased ban, which may take up to two years to fully implement due to existing contractual obligations.
According to reports, Communications Minister Michelle Rowland has been actively consulting with the industry on these impending reforms. This approach aims to directly address three key issues: the current proliferation of gambling ads, children's exposure to these ads, and the prevalence of gambling content during sporting events.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth have emphasized the government's strategy and discussions in various public forums. Although earlier considerations were made to establish a national online gambling regulator based on the recommendations of a parliamentary committee led by the late Labor MP Peta Murphy, current discussions have deviated from this path. Instead, the focus has shifted to better coordination and unification with state and territory governments in managing online gambling.
According to Sky News Australia, Minister Rishworth emphasized on Sky News' Sunday Agenda that there are currently no plans to establish a national online gambling regulatory body. However, she affirmed the ongoing dialogues with states and territories on strengthening online gambling regulation.
Public and Political Reaction:
The decision to potentially restrict gambling ads has elicited mixed reactions. While some government members are surprised by the absence of a national regulatory body in the reforms, others, like Minister Bill Shorten, express concerns about the broader impact of a complete ban on gambling ads, especially on free media.
According to iGaming Business, during an episode of ABC's Q&A, Shorten commented, "There's no reason to play gambling ads during children's programs. They have no reason to infiltrate the digital market, you know, where there are video games that encourage gambling. If you eliminate free media, what else is there to replace it? Well, I just want to say—I don't want Mark Zuckerberg or Facebook managing my news feed. He hasn't even paid for Australian media coverage. So we need to find a reasonable solution."
The proposed ad restrictions are part of a broader series of reform measures aimed at effectively addressing Australia's gambling issues. Some TV ad bans will not be fully implemented until 2026, giving broadcasters and gambling operators sufficient time to adapt to the new regulatory environment. This phased implementation also reflects the government's intention to engage constructively with all stakeholders to ensure the reforms are both practical and sustainable.
Although Sky News reported that the government had made a final decision, Prime Minister Albanese clarified at a recent press conference that the government is still finalizing its approach. He reiterated the importance of consultation and the government's commitment to addressing gambling issues without causing unintended negative consequences.
