Australia
Australia’s Government Delays Gambling Ad Ban

Australia’s ban on gambling advertising will not be introduced this week. This may also be the last week the Australian Parliament sits this term, making the bill’s progression uncertain.
The government has been further discussing gambling regulation since an inquiry last June. The late Member of Parliament Peta Murphy’s report included 31 recommendations, including a full ban of gambling advertising.
Gambling is a particular issue in the country. According to research, Australians lose around $25 billion on legal gambling every year, the largest per capita losses globally.
Earlier this year, ReadWrite reported that “one million gambling ads had been aired in one year in Australia,” according to an open letter signed by prominent Australians. Despite these external and internal pressures, the parliament is still yet to respond to Murphy’s report or make the proposed bill public.
Competition Minister Andrew Leigh said that the government was prepared to bring in restrictions “immediately” but that they still don’t have enough numbers to pass the bill.
“It’s quite clear at the moment … the numbers aren’t there to progress the reforms the government has put through, which would significantly curtail gambling ads around major sporting events so there would be a blackout period before and after sporting events,” he said.
“If we thought the numbers were there, we’d put it to the parliament immediately, but the fact that the numbers aren’t there says everything about the way in which the opposition is moving into blocking mode.”
This directly contradicted the view from sport minister Anika Wells, who said that a ban on gambling ads was not ready for parliament yet.
She said: “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.”
The Labor government continues to be split on the issue of a full advertising ban, with some believing a partial one is the better decision.
-
Africa7 days ago
Play’n GO takes games portfolio live with the Goldrush Group in South Africa
-
Africa6 days ago
DRC Signs MoU for Public-Private Partnership with Burundi’s East African General Trade Company
-
eSports6 days ago
Esports World Cup 2025 Unveils Official Song of the Year and Full Opening Ceremony Line-up
-
Africa6 days ago
Springbok Casino Unveils “Krugerassic Park” Featuring Dino-Wilds to Celebrate Jurassic World: Rebirth Sequel – Plus 25 Free Spins on T-Rex 2 slot
-
Asia6 days ago
LGUs, state university get Php20-M emergency vehicles from PAGCOR
-
Latest News7 days ago
PG Soft serves up Diner Frenzy Spins
-
Africa7 days ago
ALA Hosted Seminar on Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity
-
Latest News7 days ago
Juicy Wins, Crystal Clear: ELA Games Releases New Luxury Title