Government Inaction: Sports Gambling Advertising Reform Stalls Before Election

In the realm of sports gambling advertising, the Albanese government’s efforts to implement reforms have hit a roadblock, remaining stagnant as the upcoming election looms. Initially, the government under Albanese’s leadership pledged to address the issue several months ago, asserting that their approach to problem gambling surpassed any previous administration’s actions since Federation. However, as the term nears its end, little progress has been made on the commitments outlined during the government’s early tenure, creating a significant gap between promises and actual implementation.

An in-depth examination reveals that an inquiry initiated by the government in September 2022, spearheaded by the late Labor MP Peta Murphy, conducted extensive public hearings and received over 160 submissions. This initiative initially instilled hope among those advocating for stricter regulations on sports gambling advertising, especially considering the bipartisan consensus favoring reform. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton even proposed banning sports betting ads during game broadcasts, a sentiment echoed by Albanese, who decried the intrusion of gambling advertisements during sports events.

The inquiry’s outcomes, unveiled in June 2023, included 31 recommendations, with a pivotal suggestion being the implementation of a phased comprehensive ban on all forms of online gambling advertising over three years, commencing immediately. Despite these recommendations, progress has been sluggish, with the general expectation that reform will not materialize before the imminent election. The potential for swift action on gambling advertising reform appears more likely under a new Coalition government, given its growing popularity and political momentum.

While Communications Minister Michelle Rowland and Albanese have attributed the delay in reform to its complexity, critics point out the swift enactment of legislation, such as restrictions on children under 16 using social media, which was introduced and passed within a mere eight days in November 2024. Interestingly, the sluggish pace of government action has allowed some wagering companies, like Sportsbet, to take voluntary steps towards reform, such as discontinuing live odds advertisements around sporting events, signaling a degree of self-regulation within the industry.

Despite the government’s acknowledgment of the need for change and support for the decisions made by companies like Sportsbet, the lack of substantial progress on gambling advertising reform raises concerns about the current regulatory framework. The intricate timeline of events, from the initial inquiry to the present day, underscores the challenges and complexities inherent in addressing sports gambling advertising adequately. As the election draws near, the future of gambling advertising reform remains uncertain, leaving a critical issue unresolved in the sporting landscape.