Gambling advertising is set to be banned on all public transport in NSW.
The Minns government move will see all forms of advertising, be it for casino, lottery or online betting, removed from trains, metro, buses, light rail, train stations, and ferry terminals.
The change, which will take place within 12 months, will impact 798 advertising boards at Sydney train stations, 49 road-facing digital billboards, adverts on up to 3711 urban buses, 76 trams and across the Tangara train fleet.
“Gambling advertising has been a common sight on our public transport for a couple of years now, and I’m pleased our government is taking action to remove it,” Minister for Transport Jo Haylen said.
“Parents are rightly worried about the impact it has on their kids, so it’s not something that we think that needs to be on our transport network.”
Haylen said the ban will be rolled out as existing contracts expire.
“With over 3500 buses, close to 800 advertising assets at train stations, as well as advertising on light rail and trains, Transport’s advertising contracts are vast,” she said.
“Because of the scale it will take some time to implement this change, but we will be working closely with our contract partners over the next 12 months to get this done.”
Gaming and Racing Minister David Harris has supported the decision.
“Removing gambling advertising from public transport is another demonstration of the Minns Labor government’s commitment to reducing gambling harm in NSW,” he said.
“This move will reduce the public’s exposure to gambling advertising and builds on the suite of reforms the government has introduced over the past 20 months to reduce harmful impacts of gambling.”
As it stands, Transport’s advertising suppliers must ensure that all material complies with applicable laws, accepted industry standards and codes of conduct.
Bren O’Brien
Political advertising on transport assets is already banned.
The NSW government has said it will work to ensure that gambling companies do not try to circumvent the ban by sponsoring assets not owned by Transport. These would include bus stops, retail outlets, or nearby private property.
The decision comes as the federal government weighs up its position of imposing greater restrictions on gambling advertising on broadcast and digital platforms.
