Live odds TV commercials scrapped before NRL and AFL seasons
For the first time in several years, Australian sportsbook Sportsbet will not air its live odds commercials, which display the latest gambling odds during breaks in National Rugby League (NRL) and Australian Football League (AFL) matches.
As reported by The Sydney Morning Herald, the decision by Sportsbet to end its live odds advertising comes after a self-imposed 40% reduction in overall wagering advertising, as betting operators respond to calls throughout Australia to ban betting ads.
A Sportsbet spokesperson said, “Sportsbet can confirm that after listening to stakeholder and community sentiment on gambling advertising, we have taken the decision to remove integrations and ‘odds style’ ads in live sporting broadcasts.”
Australians bet AU$50 billion (US$31.2 billion)1 AUD = 0.6232 USD
2025-02-27Powered by CMG CurrenShift on sports each year and those calling for a ban on advertising say that it would help prevent promotions that fuel addiction.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s government proposed capping the number of betting ads on radio and TV to two per hour while banning advertising on social media and during match breaks in August 2024. However, Albanese shelved this after receiving pressure from various sports operators and broadcasters.
The Head of Responsible Wagering Australia, Kai Cantwell, said, “This move shows the industry is serious about reducing advertising exposure for children and vulnerable groups through self-regulation – without relying on blanket bans that could have serious unintended consequences.”
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