Australia’s Gambling Ad Reforms Postponed to 2025 Amidst Legislative Challenges
Canberra, Australia – The Australian government has postponed the overhaul of its gambling advertising regulations to 2025, diverging from initial promises to implement changes this year. This delay is linked to various challenges including legislative support and stakeholder disagreements.
The reforms, influenced by the Murphy Report of June 2023 which provided 31 recommendations for the gambling sector, are now slated for a later date. The report emphasized the need for stricter controls over gambling advertisements to protect the integrity of sports and reduce exposure to vulnerable populations.
Communications Minister Michelle Rowland had earlier committed to rolling out these reforms by the end of 2024. However, it has become evident that the enactment of these regulations will be deferred.
Contradictory reasons have surfaced regarding the postponement. Sports Minister Anika Wells highlighted the lack of consensus among sports stakeholders as a key issue, noting the need for a balanced approach that considers both the integrity of sports and the financial sustainability of sporting organizations.
Conversely, Assistant Treasury Minister Andrew Leigh cited insufficient support in the senate as the main obstacle, preventing the government from securing the necessary votes to pass the legislation.
Independent MP Andrew Wilkie and Senator David Pocock have criticized the government’s hesitation, attributing it to pressures from gambling companies and sports broadcasters.
Proposed changes under discussion include a ban on gambling ads one hour before and after live sports events, and limiting gambling advertisements to two per hour outside these events. Additionally, a total ban on such advertising during children’s programming has been considered.
Despite these potential regulations, the government has so far dismissed the possibility of a complete prohibition on TV and radio gambling advertising, a measure that was suggested in the Murphy Report.
The gambling industry has advocated for less stringent measures, proposing a ban on advertising 30 minutes before and after live events, and a cap of three ads per hour otherwise.
The Green party has introduced legislation aiming for a total ban on gambling advertising, which has undergone its second senate reading but has yet to progress.
As the debate continues, the future of gambling advertising reforms in Australia remains uncertain, with potential significant impacts on the landscape of sports broadcasting and online media.
