Gambling advertising restrictions tightened

(AsiaGameHub) –   Following extensive deliberation, a new chapter is finally set to begin for gambling in Australia, as the government rolls out a long-awaited legislative overhaul.

The Albanese Government’s reforms will establish a far stricter framework for gambling advertising, either restricting or fully banning when and where these ads can appear across the nation’s broadcast, digital and social media platforms.

These new gambling advertising rules will be paired with a crackdown on certain harmful products and illegal offshore gambling operators, alongside strengthened enforcement measures and improved support for self-exclusion programs and financial counselling.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had previously held reservations about implementing a gambling advertising ban. Now, however, he appears poised to introduce such a measure to strike the right balance in Australia’s gambling market.

Albanese remarked: “This government is taking decisive action to address the community and public health concerns linked to gambling.

“We’re getting the balance just right here: allowing adults to gamble if they choose, while making sure Australian children are not exposed to betting ads wherever they look. The last thing we want is for young people to grow up associating football with gambling.”

Australia’s gambling ad ban legislation

Set to take effect on 1 January next year, the legislation places limits on gambling ads on broadcast television: no more than three ads per hour between 6am and 8.30pm, with a complete ban during live sports broadcasts within that time frame.

Gambling ads will also be prohibited from: 

• Running on radio stations during school drop-off and pick-up windows (8am to 9am and 3pm to 4pm).
• Appearing on online platforms, unless a user is logged in, aged 18 or older, and has the option to opt out of these advertisements.
• Featuring celebrities, professional athletes, or odds-focused ads targeted at sports fans.
• Being displayed in sports venues and on the uniforms of athletes and match officials.

Additional legislation to complement the gambling advertising reforms includes:

• Cracking down on harmful and emerging online lottery products, as well as banning online keno “pocket pokies”.
• Standardizing match-fixing as a criminal offense across Australia to improve sports integrity.
• Strengthening enforcement actions against illegal gambling operators.
• Bolstering BetStop, the national self-exclusion register, following its recent statutory review
• Expanding access to financial counselling support for those affected by gambling harm, and working to boost public awareness of the risks of online gambling.
• The government will draft legislation to enact these measures, with the full reforms set to launch on 1 January 2027.

Anika Wells, Minister for Communications and Minister for Sport, added: “Gambling addiction is a critical public health issue, and this announcement marks landmark reform to reduce gambling harms in Australia’s history.

“Starting on 1 January next year, Australians will be able to gather with their families to cheer on their favorite teams without being bombarded by gambling advertising.

“Our reforms will sever the link between sports and wagering, minimize children’s exposure to betting advertisements, and reduce the saturation of these ads across online, radio and television platforms.

“Australian parents, families and sports fans have been calling for action, and we thank all those involved for their ongoing engagement and advocacy as we worked tirelessly to strike the correct balance.”

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