Australia Inquiry Calls for Online Gambling Ad Ban

A parliamentary inquiry in Australia has recommended the ban of all forms of online gambling advertisements within three years to help protect an audience that is “impressionable and vulnerable.” The report gives 31 recommendations in total; the most consequential one is the ad ban.

Four phases would be necessary to implement such a change, with things gradually becoming more and more restrictive. This type of approach would help give sports organizations and broadcasters the chance to find alternative sponsors and advertisers, while also stopping people from receiving these pro-online gambling messages in the same manner.

not clear if the government will agree to all of the inquiry’s recommendations

It is still not clear if the government will agree to all of the inquiry’s recommendations. Commercial broadcasters will likely protest an advertising ban and they already said that such a change could bring an end to free-to-air sports.

Other key suggestions from the inquiry include putting in place a nationwide strategy to combat online gambling-related harm, cracking down further on illegal gambling platforms, as well as improve supports for people who are experiencing harm from gambling.

The government will now begin looking at the full set of recommendations and will consult with key stakeholders before outlining any proposed reforms.