THE LABOR Government’s long-awaited legislation on gambling advertising will be introduced into Parliament this week but critics – some from racing itself – say it will not control the intrusion of corporate bookmakers to the industry.
The changes include a limit on the number of gambling advertisements per hour and a ban on online ads for under 18’s.
Anti-gambling advocates have slammed the laws and say it will fail to protect children and the most vulnerable.
The new gambling reform legislation features a cap of three gambling ads per hour during daytime television viewing, a ban on ads during live sports matches, and restrictions on advertising on sports jerseys and in stadiums. The proposed laws are slated to take effect from 1 January 2027.
KEY DETAILS OF THE PROPOSED BILL
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Advertising Caps: Television betting ads will be limited to three per hour between 6am and 8:30pm, and completely banned during live sports broadcasts before 8:30pm.
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Uniform and Venue Phase-Out: Gambling branding will be removed from sporting uniforms and phased out from sporting venues.
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Online Safety: Wagering ads on digital platforms will be restricted to users over 18 who have verified their age and opted in.
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Exemptions: Racing content, publications, and dedicated racing venues are currently exempt from the advertising restrictions.
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Compliance & Enforcement: The Australian Communications and Media Authority will receive expanded powers to block illegal offshore services with the assistance of internet and financial providers. Additionally, rules surrounding the national self-exclusion register, BetStop are being tightened.
ON-GOING POLITICAL DEBATE
THE proposed laws fall short of the total, blanket advertising ban recommended by the 2023 bipartisan Murphy Report. The Government’s position has faced backlash from anti-gambling advocates, cross-benchers (including Independent MP Monique Ryan), and health experts who argue the reforms represent a ‘half-measure’ that fails to sufficiently protect young people.
INSUFFICIENT ACTION TO PROTECT PUNTERS FROM UNSCRUPULOUS CORPORATES
MANY believe, where racing is concerned, insufficient action has been taken to control or eliminate unscrupulous corporate bookmakers who continue to ‘rob’ their customers. Punters seem to have no rights when it comes to these companies.
Sadly, Australia is stuck with the insurgence of the corporates who have infiltrated the industry through their involvement with major race clubs and broadcasters and although action by administrators like Peter V’Landys forced them to pay their way they still represent a major threat to the TAB which finances racing.
At least SKY has remained loyal to the TAB while the Victorian-based broadcaster TVN is a disgrace with wall-to-wall corporate involvement every time you tune in. Some high profile jockeys (of the past) are heavily-involved with them, like Simon Marshall. Why can’t Racing Victoria take their prices from the TAB like SKY does and eliminate these parasites from our TV screens?
And to worsen the situation, control bodies like Racing Queensland have chosen in more recent years to head-hunt CEOs with corporate bookmaking background who arguably know little about the grass-roots of the racing industry but are seen by some to protect their former employers.
