The Australian Football League (AFL) could face a substantial financial hit if a proposed ban on gambling advertisements becomes law. Recent discussions in Australia’s political arena have brought this issue to the forefront, as the government considers tighter regulations on gambling in an effort to address problem gambling and money laundering.
According to documents obtained by 9News, the AFL stands to lose around $80 million annually (approximately AU$120 million) if a complete ban on gambling ads is enforced. This potential loss raises concerns about the impact on grassroots football programs, which could see a significant reduction in funding.
The Australian government is exploring various options, including cashless payment systems, to tackle gambling-related issues. The possibility of banning or capping gambling ads is part of a broader effort to reform the industry. While the AFL has expressed support for a balanced approach to regulating gambling ads, it has not advocated for a total ban.
The debate has also sparked suggestions for alternative revenue streams, such as imposing a “tech tax” on international companies. However, this approach has proven problematic in other countries. For example, Canada’s attempt to force Facebook to pay media outlets for shared content led to the platform cutting off news services entirely, negatively affecting smaller media companies.
The idea of banning gambling ads has garnered public support, with many Australians in favor of removing these ads from all media platforms, both physical and digital. However, politicians are cautious about the economic ripple effects, particularly for sectors like free-to-air TV, which rely heavily on gambling revenue.
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