Australian watchdog gets online gambling ad powers

Legislation has cleared the Senate giving the media watchdog greater powers to police gambling advertisements on online broadcasts.

The media watchdog will get greater powers to regulate gambling ads shown during online sport broadcasts after legislation cleared the Senate.

The Australian Communications and Media Authority will also get powers to determine program standards for gambling advertisements which apply to certain broadcasters and pay-TV providers.

The bill is part of the government’s reform package, taking effect from Friday, which is headlined by a ban on gambling ads from five minutes before the start of play until five minutes after the conclusion of play or 8.30pm.

Source: Australian Associated Press