The Australian Parliament met on Monday for its spring session ahead of a controversial issue scheduled for discussion by the legislature in the next few weeks — a suggested prohibition on gambling ads.
As problem gambling rates remain at levels considered unacceptable by mental health professionals and many in the community, officials on both sides of the aisle have proposed restricting or prohibiting advertisements for the nation’s extensive gaming industry. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s Labor Party administration is anticipated to advocate for a limit on gambling-related TV ads, while crossbench parties are advocating for a total prohibition.
Under Labor's plan, ads for gambling would be banned on the internet and on TV during shows aimed at children. Gambling advertising would also be restricted to airing outside of live sports events, and one hour before and after the game's start and end.
Gambling companies would still be permitted to sponsor jerseys, and signage both on-field and in-stadium would continue to be allowed. The Albanese government supports limits on gambling advertisements rather than implementing a total ban, a position backed by the Greens.
"Recognizing that this is a complex issue, we’re taking a comprehensive approach,” said Albanese.
Labor holds 78 out of the 151 House seats and 25 out of the 76 Senate seats.
Legislators Split
Australia is well-known for recording some of the highest annual gambling losses per capita globally. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reports that almost 40% of Australians gamble weekly, with around 50% of men indicating they participate in gambling each week.
Common forms of gambling consist of sports wagers, horse racing, lottery games, and pokies, also known as slot machines, found in casinos, pubs, and clubs. Australians spend approximately AU$30 billion (US$20 billion) annually on gambling.
The Green Party is backed by the Alliance for Gambling Reform, which contacted Parliament before its spring session, requesting that the government ban all gambling advertisements. The alliance is an autonomous, non-profit organization that aims to lessen gambling-related harms in Australia.
"There is strong evidence that gambling companies are now grooming our kids by targeting children as young as 14 through social media,” the Alliance for Gambling Reform’s letter to Parliament read. “Our children are also being targeted by the tsunami of gambling ads that assault our screens, especially around coverage of our major sporting codes. It is ensnaring a whole new generation of gamblers.”
The letter urges both the government and opposition "to publicly pledge to the prompt adoption and execution" of all suggestions outlined in the 2023 Murphy Report. The report, spearheaded by the late Labor MP Peta Murphy, who passed away in December 2023 due to breast cancer, suggested a total prohibition on gambling advertisements.
The letter of alliance has been endorsed by 74 present or past legislators together with health specialists. The list of signees includes former Prime Ministers John Howard and Malcolm Turnbull.
Private United
In 2023, the Australian Institute of Family Studies conducted a survey to assess public sentiment regarding the ongoing presence of gambling advertisements in television commercial interruptions.
Most of the 1,765 adults questioned indicated that "viewing or listening to gambling ads" affected their participation in betting. Most also argued that this type of marketing increases the likelihood of gambling harm for young individuals.
The investigation found that Australians “largely favor” stricter regulations on gambling advertisements.
