After extensive discussions, Australia is entering a new era in gambling, as the government launches a long-awaited legislative reform.

The reforms proposed by the Albanese Government introduce significantly stricter restrictions on gambling advertising, limiting or completely banning its appearance across multimedia and social platforms nationwide.

Alongside the new advertising rules, increased oversight of certain products and illegal offshore operators is planned, as well as improvements in law enforcement mechanisms and expanded support for self-exclusion programs and financial counselling.

Previously, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had been cautious about implementing a gambling advertising ban. However, he now appears ready to take this step to “restore balance” in the Australian gambling market.

Albanese stated: “The government is taking decisive action to address gambling-related issues that affect society and public health.

We are striking the right balance: adults can place bets if they wish, but Australian children should not be exposed to gambling ads everywhere. We do not want children growing up thinking that football and gambling are the same thing.”
 

Australia’s Gambling Advertising Ban Legislation

Starting 1 January next year, a law restricting gambling advertising on broadcast television will come into effect: “no more than three ads per hour between 6:00 AM and 8:30 PM, with a complete ban during live sports broadcasts within these hours.”

Gambling ads will also be banned from: 

• Appearing on Radio stations during school drop-off and pick-up times (8am to 9am and 3pm to 4pm).

• Appearing on online platforms, unless a person is logged in, over 18 and has an option to opt out of such adverts.

• Using celebrities, sports players and odds-style ads targeting sports fans.
• Appearing in sports venues and on the uniforms of players and officials.
   

Additional legislation to complement the gambling advertising action includes:

• Crackdown on harmful and emerging online lottery products, as well as banning online keno “pocket pokies”.

• Make match-fixing criminal offences consistent across Australia, improving sport integrity.

• Stronger enforcement against illegal operators.
• Bolster BetStop, the national self-exclusion register, following the recent statutory review.
• Expand financial counselling support for gambling and work to increase public awareness of online gambling harms.
• The Government will develop legislation to implement these measures, with reforms to begin from 1 January 2027.

Anika Wells, Minister for Communications and Minister for Sport, added: “Gambling addiction is a serious public health issue and this announcement represents strong reform to reduce gambling harms in Australia’s history.

“From 1 January next year, Australians will be able to sit down with their families and cheer on their favourite team without being bombarded by gambling advertising.

“Our reforms will break the connection between wagering and sport, minimise children’s exposure to wagering advertising and reduce its saturation across the internet, radio and TV channels.

“Australian parents, families and sports fans have been calling for action, and we thank all those involved for their continued engagement and advocacy as we’ve worked continuously to get the settings balanced and right.”

 

 

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