Albanese acts on gambling ad reform, as wagering industry slams ‘draconian’ measures

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced sweeping changes to Australia’s gambling advertising rules from January 1, including limits on social media, TV and radio outlets.

Albanese confirmed the changes in an address to the National Press Club on Thursday, less than 24 hours after he had told parliament that the government had not made any decisions regarding gambling ad reform.

Among the changes:

– Television stations would be limited to broadcasting three gambling advertisements an hour between 6am and 8.30pm

– Advertising on radio would be banned during school drop-off and pick-up times.

– Advertising on social media will be limited to accounts where the user is verified as being aged over 18

– All social media users will have the option to opt out of seeing gambling ads.

– Promotions will be banned in sports venues and on jerseys.

– Sportsmen and women will be banned from appearing in gambling ads

“We are getting the balance right. Letting adults have a punt if they want to, but making sure that our children don’t see betting ads everywhere they look,” Albanese said in his speech.

“Because we don’t want kids growing up thinking that footy and gambling are inextricably linked. We want Australians to love sport for what it is. Its joy. Its heartbreak.”

The government’s announcement comes more than 1000 days after the You Win Some, You Lose More report but falls short of the 31 recommendations suggested by a bipartisan committee led by the late Labor MP Peta Murphy.

Since that report, the Albanese government has twice tried to pursue policies that found a balance between the demands of crossbench MPs and gambling harm minimisation advocates and those of the media and the wagering industry.

But on both occasions, it opted to abandon the push for change, unable to find a politically suitable solution.

The speed of this latest initiative took the wagering industry by surprise.

Industry lobby group Responsible Wagering Australia (RWA) issued a statement saying it was “deeply disappointed” in the outcome, which it said was reached without consultation.

“We acknowledge advertising levels were too high in the past but we’ve listened and we’ve acted by taking steps to significantly reduce the total volume of ads” RWA chief executive Kai Cantwell said.

“Beyond advertising, we have supported major reforms, including the implementation of BetStop and strengthened consumer protection measures across the system.  

“But this announcement, with no heads-up and no genuine consultation, is a real kick in the guts for the industry.”

Cantwell said the wagering sector adds $6 billion to the Australian economy and supports 30,000 jobs, while providing funding to racing, sport and broadcast industries.

“Decisions of this scale must be evidence-based and developed with industry to avoid unintended consequences,” he said.

“For an industry that has engaged in good faith and delivered meaningful reform, this announcement today is disappointing.” 

“This sets a dangerous precedent. Today it’s gambling advertising, tomorrow it’s alcohol, then it’s sugary drinks, fast food, critical minerals and who knows what else comes next.”  

The government also confirmed it would impose a crackdown on online lottery products, as well as banning online keno “pocket pokies, make match-fixing criminal offences consistent across Australia, boost enforcement against illegal offshore gambling providers, strengthen BetStop and expand financial counselling support.

To get the legislation through, Communications Minister Anika Wells will lead consultations with crossbench MPs.

“Gambling addiction is a serious public health issue and this announcement represents strong reform to reduce gambling harms in Australia’s history,” she said.

“From 1 January next year Australians will be able to sit down with their families and cheer on their favourite team without being bombarded by gambling advertising.

“Our reforms will break the connection between wagering and sport, minimise children’s exposure to wagering advertising and reduce its saturation across the internet, radio and TV channels.

“Australian parents, families and sports fans have been calling for action, and we thank all those involved for their continued engagement and advocacy as we’ve worked continuously to get the settings balanced and right.”

There is no detail yet on how the new measure may apply to the racing industry.