Gambling Advertising Reform
I am seeking your views on proposed reforms to gambling advertising, with legislation expected to come before Parliament for consideration.
Many Australians enjoy a punt on the races, a bet on the footy, or a flutter with friends.
For most people, gambling is a form of entertainment. They take part responsibly and occasionally.
It is also a significant source of revenue for sporting organisations, racing industries, community clubs and media broadcasters.
But gambling harm is real.
Problem gambling can have devastating consequences for individuals, families and communities. It can lead to financial hardship, relationship breakdown, mental health challenges and addiction.
The impacts are not limited to the person gambling. Families, children, friends and workplaces can all be affected.
I have met with Reverend Tim Costello and others about the consequences of gambling addiction. This is a serious issue we must confront.
The rise of online betting and the saturation of gambling advertising have raised legitimate concerns about whether the balance is right.
Many parents are worried about the amount of gambling advertising children are exposed to while watching sport. Others are concerned that the constant promotion of betting has normalised gambling in a way previous generations never experienced.
There are also strongly held views about personal responsibility.
Many Australians believe adults should be free to make their own choices, provided they have access to clear information, appropriate safeguards and support when things go wrong.
Others believe the volume and reach of gambling advertising now justifies stronger government intervention.
The challenge for me as your local Member is finding the right balance.
We need to protect vulnerable Australians and reduce gambling harm. We also need to consider individual choice, sporting codes, broadcasters, community clubs and local industries that may be affected by major changes.
Before these reforms are debated and considered by Parliament, I want to hear directly from people across Lyne.
How far do you think gambling advertising reform should go?
The Murphy Review
In 2023, the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs conducted a major inquiry into online gambling and gambling harm.
The inquiry was chaired by the late Peta Murphy MP and produced the report You win some, You Lose more.
The committee made 31 recommendations and called for a public health approach to reducing online gambling harm. It recommended a phased, comprehensive ban on online gambling advertising over three years.
Its advertising recommendations included:
Phase One
Ban gambling inducements and inducement advertising.
Ban gambling advertising on social media and online platforms.
Phase Two
Ban gambling advertising during sports broadcasts, and for one hour before and after sport.
Ban in-stadium advertising and gambling logos on player uniforms.
Phase Three
Ban all gambling advertising on television and radio between 6 am and 10 pm.
Phase Four
Ban all gambling advertising and sponsorship arrangements.
Supporters of the Murphy Review argue that only a complete ban will meaningfully reduce gambling harm and protect children from constant exposure to gambling promotion.
Others argue that adults should retain the freedom to make their own decisions, that existing reforms should be given time to work, and that a complete ban could have significant impacts on sporting codes, broadcasters and industries that rely on sponsorship revenue.
You can read the Murphy Review here:
You win some, you lose more – Parliament of Australia
The Albanese Government proposal
The Albanese Government has announced a package of gambling advertising and online wagering reforms.
The proposal would restrict gambling advertising during live sport, limit gambling advertisements on broadcast television, restrict radio advertising during school drop-off and pick-up times, remove gambling branding from sporting uniforms and venues, and restrict online gambling advertising to logged-in, age-verified users with opt-out options.
The Government has also proposed stronger action against illegal offshore gambling services, changes to online protections, restrictions on the use of celebrities and athletes in gambling advertising, enhancements to BetStop, and bans on online keno-style games and foreign matched lotteries.
These reforms would significantly reduce gambling advertising, particularly around sport.
They would not impose the full ban recommended by the Murphy Review.
You can read more about the Government’s proposal here: Gambling Reforms 2026 | Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts