Australia announces curbs on betting advertisements

SYDNEY: Australia will impose new restrictions on betting advertisements as part of an effort to reduce gambling-related harm in one of the world’s biggest gambling markets, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Thursday.

Sports betting promotions are widely seen across Australian broadcasts, encouraging wagers on events ranging from surfing to greyhound racing. According to the figures cited by Albanese, Australians lose about $17 billion each year to gambling across a population of 27 million, placing the country among the highest in the world for gambling losses per adult.

Under the measures announced by the prime minister, betting companies will be limited to three advertisements per hour between 6am and 8.30pm. During those same hours, gambling advertisements will be entirely prohibited during live sports broadcasts.

Albanese also said wagering companies will no longer be permitted to display their brands on uniforms worn by professional teams. In addition, all gambling advertisements will be barred from radio during school drop-off and pick-up hours.

Government says measures aim to protect children

Speaking in Canberra, Albanese said the policy was intended to allow legal betting by adults while reducing children’s exposure to gambling promotions.

“We are getting the balance right,” Albanese said during a speech in Canberra. “Letting adults have a punt if they want to, but making sure that our children don’t see betting everywhere they look.

“We don’t want kids growing up thinking that footy (football) and gambling are inextricably linked.”

The announcement stops short of the complete ban sought by some campaigners for gambling reform. Advocates have argued that the volume of betting promotions on television and other media has become excessive and contributes to broader social harm.

Calls for tougher action

In 2024, dozens of prominent Australians wrote to Albanese urging his government to eliminate gambling advertisements within three years. Among the signatories was former prime minister John Howard, who said many people in the country were deeply concerned by the spread of gambling marketing and the financial losses associated with it.

“Many Australians are alarmed about the proliferation of gambling advertising on our screens and the mounting losses through gambling,” said former prime minister John Howard, who was among the signatories.

“I believe gambling losses are responsible for enormous harm throughout the community.”

While the new restrictions represent a significant tightening of advertising rules, the move is not expected to satisfy those who have been pressing for a full prohibition on betting advertisements.