Uniform, radio, TV ads to be hit in gambling ad crackdown

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced restrictions on gambling advertising, including a ban on betting companies appearing on sporting jerseys and in stadiums.

In an address to the National Press Club in Canberra on Thursday, Albanese revealed that the government would cap the number of TV ads for betting agencies to a maximum of three per hour between 6am and 8.30pm, and would ban all gambling ads on radio during school drop-off and pick-up times.

The new restrictions will also include a ban on cross-promotion that mixes sporting commentary with betting odds, an end to advertising on jerseys and in stadiums, a ban on online advertising to people under 18, and blocking illegal gaming sites. Online Keno type “pocket pokies” will also be banned under Labor’s proposal, which is yet to be introduced to parliament.

“We are getting the balance right. Letting adults have a punt if they want to, but making sure our children don’t see betting ads everywhere they look. Because we don’t want kids growing up thinking that footy and gambling are inextricably linked,” Albanese told the Press Club.

But the government has stopped short of the complete ban on online gambling advertising recommended in a report by the late Labor MP Peta Murphy, published over 1000 days ago in her last political act before her death.

Asked whether the government has not gone far enough in adopting a full ban, Albanese said: “It’s the most, to be clear, significant reform on gambling that has ever been implemented.”

This masthead revealed on Wednesday that Albanese would soon announce his long-delayed crackdown on gambling advertising, and that the reforms would include a phased ban on advertising in stadiums and on jerseys.

Responsible Wagering Australia chief executive Kai Cantwell, who represents many gambling companies, said his members supported evidence-based reform and had already reduced the volume of ads during broadcasts.

“But this announcement, with no heads up and no genuine consultation, is a real kick in the guts for the industry,” Cantwell said. “This sector contributes almost $6 billion to the Australian economy, supports around 30,000 jobs, and provides critical funding to sport, racing and broadcast industries across the country.”

The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning.