Labor and Opposition Tackle Gambling Advertising Reform

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Angus Taylor met in Canberra this week to negotiate amendments to Labor’s gambling-advertising bill. The talks focus on tightening rules on betting inducements and limiting the frequency of gambling ads on free-to-air television. A deal is expected before the bill is debated in the House of Representatives on Wednesday, as Parliament resumes after a five-week winter break.

The Guardian

The current reform effort follows a 2023 parliamentary inquiry chaired by the late Labor MP Peta Murphy. That committee recommended an immediate ban on all online gambling inducements and their advertising. Subsequent hearings heard allegations that betting firms offered perks such as bonus bets, drugs and other enticements to keep gamblers playing, claims the industry has denied. Labor’s proposal, drafted by Communications Minister Anika Wells, seeks to balance problem-gambling mitigation with the revenue needs of media outlets and sporting codes.

Labor open to ‘sensible amendments’ to gambling laws

• Advertising limit: three gambling ads per hour on free-to-air TV between 6 am and 8:30 pm.

The Guardian

• Broadcast-TV timing tweaks are under discussion to reduce exposure to children.

The Guardian

• Online platforms would be subject to a “triple-lock” – users must be logged in, age-verified and given an opt-out option before gambling ads can appear.

The Guardian

• An “opt-in” model for streaming ads is also being debated, though it is not expected to be part of the final amendment package.

The Guardian

• Jenny McAllister, Labor’s minister for gambling reform, said the government has “broadly got the legislation right” but is “open to sensible amendments” after discussions with the Coalition.

Labor open to ‘sensible amendments’ to gambling laws

• Anika Wells emphasized that the proposal strikes the correct “balance” between addressing problem gambling and not unduly penalising media companies and sporting organisations.

Labor open to ‘sensible amendments’ to gambling laws

• Dan Tehan, senior Coalition frontbencher, expressed hope that “good-faith discussions” would allow the legislation to pass.

ABC News Australia

• Sarah Hanson-Young, Greens senator, drew a red line on inducements, stating she would not support the reforms “as they stand” and warned the Senate might take the issue forward independently.

Australian Associated Press (AAP)

• Greens and some crossbench members argue the current draft does not go far enough, pressing for a complete ban on betting advertising and an opt-in requirement for online ads.

The Guardian

• “There should be an independent review of wherever we land after the next election, so we can do more,” — Simon Kennedy, the outspoken advocate

The Guardian

The amended bill is slated for debate in the lower house on Wednesday. Angus Taylor is expected to present the Coalition’s amendment package to his party room in the coming week. Labor has indicated it will consider further tweaks after those internal discussions, while the Greens remain poised to negotiate on key sticking points such as online-ad opt-in mechanisms and the outright ban on inducements. The outcome will determine whether the legislation passes the Senate and becomes law.

The Guardian