Gambling Advertising Reform
I am seeking your views on proposed reforms to gambling advertising.
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 that they engage in responsibly and occasionally. It is also a significant source of revenue for sporting organisations, racing industries, community clubs and media broadcasters.
At the same time, gambling harm is real. Problem gambling can have devastating consequences for individuals, families, and communities. Financial hardship, relationship breakdown, mental health challenges, and addiction can leave lasting impacts not only on the person gambling, but on those around them. I have met with Reverend Tim Costello from the Alliance for Gambling Reform 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 question whether the constant promotion of betting has normalised gambling in ways that 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.
Today, the Government has introduced the Interactive Gambling Amendment (Gambling Reform) Bill 2026. This is a very significant piece of legislation and the challenge for me as a parliamentarian is finding the right balance between protecting vulnerable Australians, reducing gambling harm and preserving individual choice.
Before these reforms are debated and considered by Parliament, I want to hear directly from you about just how far these reforms should go.
The Murphy Review – You win some, You Lose More Recommendations
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 concluded that gambling advertising had become too pervasive and recommended a phased, comprehensive ban on all gambling advertising over three years.
Its 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 6am and 10pm.
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 Report at You win some, you lose more – Parliament of Australia
The Albanese Government proposal
The Albanese Government has released draft legislation that would introduce a range of new restrictions on gambling advertising and online wagering. It falls short of the reforms recommended by the Murphy Review.
The proposal would:
• Ban gambling advertising during live sport broadcasts.
• Restrict gambling advertising on radio during school drop-off and pick-up times.
• Limit gambling advertisements to a maximum of three per hour.
• Ban gambling advertising on sporting uniforms and at sporting venues.
• Ban the promotion of betting odds during broadcasts.
• Restrict the use of athletes and celebrities in gambling advertising.
• Strengthen age verification requirements and online protections to reduce children's exposure to gambling advertising.
• Strengthen measures against illegal gambling services.
• Enhance the national self-exclusion register known as BetStop.
• Ban online keno and foreign matched lotteries.
These reforms would significantly reduce gambling advertising, particularly around sport, but they would not impose a complete ban. Critics of this Bill are concerned about the lack of consultation on it and its failure to provide the protections that young Australians need.
You can read more about the Government’s proposal at Interactive Gambling Amendment (Gambling Reform) Bill 2026 – Parliament of Australia