Australian bookmaker Tabcorp has said that it is now phasing out all advertising for its Australian gambling products between the hours of 6.30am and 8.30pm and has called on further restrictions to limit ads during these hours.
According to submissions made to a federal parliamentary inquiry into gambling, media broadcasters disagree and fear that further restrictions will cut into revenues and therefore limit the services that they provide.
Broadcasters and gambling companies are already under the microscope as the new Labor government has started to place further restrictions on gambling advertising in a bid to reduce the harms of problem gambling. The expected widespread crackdown is backed up by data from The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare which says that local gamblers lose around $25 billion each year.
Commercial Radio and Audio (CRA) has stated that it fully supports reducing problem gambling. However, it feels that the Commercial Radio Code of Practice is strict enough as it is.
In its submission to the parliamentary inquiry, CRA stated that any further advertising restrictions may limit the industry’s ability to provide local and national news.
Free TV stated to the inquiry that broadcasters are strictly regulated under the Commercial Television Industry Code of Practice (the Free TV Code). The code includes restrictions on gambling advertising on broadcast television, providing protection to vulnerable viewers such as children.
In a submission to the inquiry, Free TV said:
“The current comprehensive framework for gambling advertising on television is appropriate and proportionate. No further restrictions should be placed on commercial broadcasters. Any further restrictions would have significant revenue implications for Australian TV networks and their ability to invest in sports; news and current affairs; and Australian content.”
In its own submission, Tabcorp stated:
“Australian families and children should be able to watch live sport and television without being bombarded by gambling advertising. Advertising betting products and brands online and on social media is a growing concern. It is largely beyond the reach of any one state or territory, and there should be a nationally consistent framework to regulate it.”
Ciaran has been working within the Gambling Industry as a deep analyst since 2019. His deep knowledge and understanding of all the gambling regulations, and processes makes him a true asset, and an always valuable point of view for Gambling Industry News, allowing us to cover every topics from a brand new perspective.