Despite mounting pressure, the Australian government remains in no hurry to implement a gambling ad ban, arguing that a rushed approach could do more harm than good.
“We will only progress legislation to implement any form of online gambling advertising reform when we have concluded our consultation and we have a policy that we are confident in,” said Karen Goren, Deputy Government Whip in the Senate.
Goren pointed to the Coalition’s 2018 restrictions, which, rather than reducing gambling ads, resulted in a 50 percent increase in the total volume of gambling advertising spots on television and radio, and a 76 percent increase on regional TV.
“It is critical that we ensure that future reforms are both effective and comprehensive and do not have unintended consequences. It’s taking longer to land the right balance, but it is critical that we get this right,” she added.
According to Goren, consultations with stakeholders, including the wagering industry, harm reduction advocates, sporting codes, and broadcasters, are ongoing.
The Greens Turn Up the Heat
The issue has returned to the spotlight after the Greens proposed a bill to ban gambling ads online, restrict ads before and after sporting events, and limit ads during children’s viewing hours. Their proposal mirrors the government’s previous position.
Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young pressed the Albanese government to act swiftly.
“Gambling ad reform is the unfinished business of this parliament. The public want this done before the election, and the government should listen and act,” she said.
The call for urgency comes 18 months after the late Labor MP Peta Murphy delivered a parliamentary report recommending a total ban on gambling advertising, with unanimous support from Labor, the Coalition, and Greens committee members.
However, Goren dismissed Hanson-Young’s argument that the bill is “popular.”
“Well, popular is not a great parameter for effective policy,” she said.
Government Defends Its Track Record
While critics accuse the government of dragging its feet, Goren highlighted the steps already taken since Labor came to power in 2022.“We have delivered more gambling harm reduction initiatives in two and a half years than was delivered in the preceding decade,” she stated.
Among the measures implemented are banning credit card use for online gambling.
Another key initiative is mandatory customer ID verification to prevent children and self-excluded individuals from gambling online.
The government has also strengthened classification for gambling-like features in video games to protect children from exposure to gambling elements, such as loot boxes.
Monthly activity statements for online gamblers have been introduced, allowing users to track their wins and losses more transparently.
Additionally, new evidence-based taglines in gambling ads provide stronger messages about gambling risks.
Debate Heats Up
Shadow Minister for Education, Senator Sarah Henderson, accused both the government and the Greens of hypocrisy over gambling ad reform.“It’s ironic that we are in this chamber debating a bill put forward by the Australian Greens to ban gambling advertising,” she said.
Henderson reminded the Senate that Opposition Leader Peter Dutton had announced the Coalition’s policy to ban gambling ads during live sports in May 2023.
A bill was introduced just six weeks later but was blocked by Labor and the Greens.
“The Senate vote was lost 30 to 33, so the Coalition won’t be taking lectures from the Australian Greens,” Henderson said.
She further questioned the government’s delay in responding to Peta Murphy’s report, suggesting the prime minister is reluctant to challenge anti-gambling advocates and major media companies.
Independent Senator David Pocock also criticised the government for stalling on legislation for 18 months.
“We are talking about a public health issue, and we should have a response that is up to the challenge of meeting that. This is about protecting young people,” he argued.
According to Pocock, gambling ads have become so prevalent that “three out of four young people now think that gambling is just a normal part of watching sport.”
As pressure mounts, the government insists it is taking a measured approach to ensure any reforms are effective.
But with elections looming, the timeframe for Labor to act is shrinking.
