Australia pushes on with gambling ad reform
The Australian federal government is pushing ahead with reforms to gambling advertising, with reports suggesting legislation is expected before the end of the parliamentary year.
Communications Minister Anika Wells has been in discussion with stakeholders in the gambling, advertising, and media industries, aiming to finalize proposals more than two years after the You Win Some, You Lose More bipartisan parliamentary report.
Initially slated for party room consideration last year, the reforms were delayed by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese until after the May federal election.
With Labor’s substantially lower house majority, the government is now poised to push the changes forward.
Leaked proposals from August last year suggest it includes restrictions on free-to-air television ads and a ban on ads during sports events and children’s programming.
A total ban on online wagering ads appears less likely. How the reforms will affect streaming services like Kayo and Stan remains unresolved, and racing-related publications may still be exempt.
The federal opposition led by Sussan Ley is unlikely to block the reform, and reports indicate that the government plans a staged approach, consulting with state and territory authorities on the final recommendations, with implementation slated for early 2026.
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Charlotte Capewell brings her passion for storytelling and expertise in writing, researching, and the gambling industry to every article she writes. Her specialties include the US gambling industry, regulator legislation, igaming, and more.
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