Australia announces crackdown on betting advertisements

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CANBERRA: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has unveiled a set of restrictions on gambling advertising, describing the move as the most significant reform of its kind in the nation’s history. Speaking at the National Press Club on Thursday, Albanese stated the measures are designed to ‘break the nexus between sport and wagering' and protect children from constant exposure to betting promotions.

Scheduled to take effect from January 2027, the  federal framework introduces a layered system of restrictions across broadcast, digital, and physical environments. Television advertisements will be strictly capped at three per hour between 6 am and 8:30 pm, with a total ban enforced during live sports broadcasts within those same hours. Radio broadcasters face similar constraints, including a total prohibition of gambling ads during the school commute windows of 8 am to 9 am and 3 pm to 4 pm.

Digital platforms will also see a significant tightening of controls; online services are prohibited from displaying gambling advertisements to any user who is not verified as being over 18 through a registered, ‘logged-in’ account. 

Furthermore, the physical landscape of Australian sport will be altered by a total ban on gambling logos on all player and official uniforms, alongside a prohibition of betting-related signage within stadiums. While industry leaders warn these restrictions may drive punters toward unregulated offshore markets, the government remains committed to the rollout next year.

Photo Credits: AFP