Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has stated that he will not oppose an outright nationwide ban on sports betting advertisements and would welcome tougher restrictions.
Andrews made the comments ahead of the expected gambling reforms which are set to be released later this legislative term based on recommendations of a parliamentary inquiry into the harms of online gambling. While NSW, Queensland and Tasmania have told the inquiry that current rules on advertising are insufficient, Victoria has not made any submission.
South Australia, on the other hand, has stated that total ban on sports betting ads should be considered.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Andrews said:
“I don’t think we have any fundamental disagreement [with the position taken by NSW.] The minister for gaming at the national ministerial council was working very closely with state colleagues and the national government. And so it shouldn’t be read that we don’t think this is a serious issue.”
According the a survey carried out by the NSW government, as many as 90% of people within the state believe that gambling promotions are pervasive and that children are exposed to an unacceptable number of gambling ads. Meanwhile, The Queensland government has stated that after 7pm, the number of gambling ads on TV is excessive. South Australia has also provided data suggesting that 85% of children aged 11 to 16 watch sport after 8.30pm.
New rules that come into effect by March of 2024 will prohibit online gambling companies from using the term “gamble responsibly”. Instead they must use up to seven new evidence-backed taglines provided by regulators.
There are already some restrictions in place for gambling ads. These include a ban on ads broadcast during live sporting events that take place before 8.30pm and no ads from 4pm to 7pm on any shows that are rated C, P or G. However, sport betting companies can still broadcast ads during halftime in during daytime sporting events.
However, despite the stance of state governments, sporting leagues such as the NRL and the AFL have reiterated that they oppose any change to the promotion of sports betting during live events. According to them, the revenue from these companies funds clubs and grassroots sporting leagues.
Gambling has become a hot topic in Australia in recent months particularly in New South Wales where both major parties have taken aim at the pokie industry ahead of the upcoming election in March.
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.