Australia's gambling-ad response draws sharp criticism from advocates
Anthony Albanese's government in Australia has confirmed it will implement only a softened version of the parliamentary inquiry into online gambling advertising. Families and advocacy groups criticised the decision to stop short of a full ban. The government said it will instead apply reduced advertising in a limited set of broadcast slots.
Australia's government will implement only part of the parliamentary inquiry's recommendations on online gambling advertising, ABC News reports. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's government said it will reduce advertising in some sports broadcast slots rather than impose a full ban. Tighter rules on gambling promotions on social media remain unclear.
Gambling-harm advocacy organisations said the government had 'substantially watered down' the recommendations. Leading group Wesley Mission described the decision as a missed historic opportunity comparable to tobacco reform. The testimony of a woman whose late husband had placed up to 100 bets a day featured widely in the coverage.
The opposition pledged to raise the matter in Parliament. Sports broadcasters said the change could reduce their advertising revenue by close to 500 million Australian dollars a year. The government continues to seek consensus with industry representatives; meetings held this week did not produce a final timetable.
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