According to research by Freshwater Strategy, the majority (56%) of Australians support moderate restrictions on online gambling ads, rather than a complete ban (37%).
The survey found that when it comes to online gambling ads, the top priority for Australians is to reduce exposure to children (37%) and vulnerable Australians (26%).
The survey was conducted online among 1550 voters across Australia, with fieldwork taking place from August 30 to September 10.
A previous poll by AFR Freshwater found that 70% of voters prefer to limit the number and airtime of gambling ads on TV, rather than completely banning them.
A coalition of over 60 prominent Australians recently called on the federal government and the opposition to commit to banning all gambling ads within three years.
It is reported that the federal government is considering an immediate ban on online gambling ads and a phased-out removal of TV gambling ads within two years.
Kai Cantwell, CEO of the Australian Responsible Gambling Association, stated that when faced with an all-or-nothing choice, people opt for the ban, but when presented with reasonable, evidence-based alternatives, such as opt-out clauses and age verification requirements, most choose the alternative.
Cantwell said: "The government should seriously listen to the feedback presented by the affected industries during the consultation process."
"Sports, racing organizations, advertisers, and licensed gambling providers all agree that a reasonable middle ground will address the concerns of the Australian public while not undermining efforts to reduce harm, not cutting Australian sports, racing, and media revenue, and not overly restricting the enjoyment of most people who gamble safely and within their means.
"If the government cannot use advanced online platform technology to ensure that gambling ads are only shown to logged-in, age-verified users over 18 who can choose not to receive such ads, then it will be a missed opportunity."
Cantwell stated that this approach would protect children and vulnerable Australians without causing severe unintended consequences.
He said: "Banning online ads will not stop Australians from gambling; it will only push them towards illegal offshore providers who lure customers with high bonuses and then fail to pay out winnings or provide any safer gambling tools."
"International evidence shows that when the legal market is over-regulated, illegal operators fill the gap, targeting children and vulnerable groups with predatory advertising.
"Illegal service providers also evade taxes and fees that legal providers should pay, costing the economy billions of dollars each year—money that could be reinvested in essential services like healthcare, education, and community infrastructure that Australians rely on.
"This is the beginning of a slippery slope, with activists like Thiel already calling for a complete ban on advertising for alcohol, fast food, and sugary drinks."
