Australia’s proposed gambling advertising ban is still pending and won’t be introduced this week. The future of the bill is still up in the air because this week might be the final session of Parliament this term.
Gambling Ad Ban, A Divided Government
Australia’s government has discussed stricter gambling regulations since an inquiry last June. The late MP Peta Murphy’s report recommended sweeping changes, including a complete ban on gambling ads. However, internal divisions persist, with some ministers advocating for partial restrictions instead.
Competition Minister Andrew Leigh expressed frustration over the lack of parliamentary support. “It’s quite clear at the moment … the numbers aren’t there to progress the reforms,” he said. Leigh added that the proposed changes would impose blackout periods for gambling ads around sporting events. Despite readiness to act, opposition resistance has stalled progress.
In contrast, Sports Minister Anika Wells called for more deliberation. “I’ve got national sporting organizations and professional codes who are worried about how this will impact the viability of their financial model … I think it needs more nuanced work,” she stated.
With $25 billion lost on legal gaming each year, Australia has one of the biggest per capita gambling losses in the world. ReadWrite brought attention to the prevalence of gambling advertising earlier this year, pointing out that more than a million advertisements were broadcast in a single year. Prominent Australians have demanded that Murphy’s proposals be addressed by Parliament immediately.
The administration has not yet finalized the planned measure or formally responded to the investigation, despite the growing pressure. The future of gambling ad reforms is still up in the air because Parliament is divided and time is running out.
The argument emphasizes how difficult it is to strike a balance between legislative changes and sports organizations’ reliance on gambling sponsorships for funding.
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