Australia government slammed for u-turn on gambling ad ban

In Australia, the government is said to be backtracking on proposals to ban gambling ads on television, attracting criticism and ire from campaigners and political opponents. 

Reform of gambling advertising has been on the agenda for some time, with proposals pushed previously delayed, but now the ruling administration appears to have conceded ground to influential stakeholders.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has concluded several top-level meetings with senior officials from the sports and media industries, including representatives for the AFL, NRL, and major TV networks.

Amid growing concern on the impact of gambling advertising and exposure to young people in Australia, there was significant support for an outright ban to be established.

A proposal set out that within three years, there would be a full shutdown of gambling ads on TV, radio, newspapers, and online, including those displayed prominently during prime-time sporting events.

However, last year, it emerged that an outright ban would not come to fruition. 

A Sydney Morning Herald report cited government sources briefing that limits would be introduced instead of a ban, leading to fresh proposals to restrict each TV channel to just two gambling ads per hour until 10 pm. 

As part of this approach, the ads would also be prohibited one hour before and after live televised events.

It has been said Prime Minister Albanese has been convinced that an outright ban is not the right approach, following the meetings.

The u-turn has been influenced by the strong representations from the sports and media industries, which warned of cutbacks and funding gaps if the flow of advertising dollars was stopped.

It was also outlined how gambling revenue is integral to funding broadcasts and grassroots sporting programs in Australia.

Unsurprisingly, critics have lined up to slam the government’s apparent change of direction, with some claiming it has given priority to corporate interests over public health. 

An opposition spokesperson described the situation as “a capitulation to the powerful interests of big gambling and media.”

That sentiment has been echoed by campaigners, blasting the government for a wasted opportunity. 

Carol Bennett, CEO of the Alliance for Gambling Reform, said on the prospects of no impending outright ban: 

“This decision is a betrayal of communities suffering from the devastating impacts of gambling. We expected action, not retreat.”

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