Australian Greens Push for Compromise on Gambling Ad Ban

The Australian Greens are pushing gambling advertising restrictions legislation forward before the upcoming election through a revised approach to restrictions. The plan deals with mounting worries over gambling harm while permitting some limited ad visibility. It follows an agreement between the government and pressure groups reluctant to see a complete ban imposed despite public pressure for change.

In updating their proposal, the Greens present some measures to limit exposure to gambling ads but allow some ads within controlled bounds.

Key proposals:

• A complete ban on online gambling advertisements;
• Banning gambling ads before and after the sports broadcasts;
• Blocking gambling ads during children’s viewing hours.
• Limiting television programs to no more than two gambling ads per televised program

The approach is driven by the aim of reaching a point between minimizing gambling-related harm and the industry’s concerns. While it is not an outright ban, it is a step toward more in command regulations.

Government Under Pressure to Act

Although it has been slow to respond to gambling ad reform, the Government has faced criticism. In late 2024, ice was broken when gambling ads were delayed from being restricted during sporting events, even though it had been previously committed to. But ministers offered fluctuating reasons for the delays, stoking speculation that media companies and sports leagues had pressured for them.

As the Greens’ bill heads to Senate debate, the government finds itself under pressure to prove it is serious about curbing gambling harm. This proposal is a practical middle ground that can be quickly adopted, resulting in quick benefits without completely cutting off gambling ad revenue.

Advocacy Groups and Public Concerns

Oz is the top country for per capita gambling losses and advocacy groups have repeatedly asked for stronger gambling ad restrictions. Betting ads are widely debated for normalizing gambling, yet research shows many young people are already exposed to an endless stream of ads purporting to be streaming seamlessly online.

But gambling addiction experts support the Greens’ initiative and say the measures are unlikely to be strong enough. While limiting gambling ads on TV and online is a step in the right direction, a leading gambling harm researcher told Insider that “no amount of exposure to gambling ads on television or online is safe, and even limited advertising can encourage risky behavior, especially around people who are susceptible to addiction.”