Gambling Ads to Remain Visible to Australian Kids Despite New Laws
Translated from French, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
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Named sources
New plan
- Australian draft laws aim to restrict gambling advertising, but critics argue they don't go far enough to protect children.
- Gambling ads could still appear during half-time and weather delays in sporting events after 8:30 pm.
- While some measures like banning player uniform sponsorship are included, concerns remain about the link between gambling and sports.
Australian children may still be exposed to gambling advertisements during live sporting events, even under new draft laws proposed by the Labor government. While the laws aim to restrict gambling advertising and mitigate harm to minors, critics argue the measures are insufficient.
We are proud of this work and the balance it strikes.
The draft legislation seeks to ban advertising before 8:30 pm and during game play, with further limitations on late-night TV ads to three per hour. However, gambling advertisements could still be broadcast during half-time and weather delay breaks in sporting games occurring after 8:30 pm. The bill also includes a ban on online ads for users under 18 and requires social media platforms to implement an opt-out system for adults.
the changes will "minimise" children's exposure to wagering advertising, "break the link" between sports and gambling and "reduce the saturation and targeting" of betting ads.
Gambling sponsorships on player uniforms and in stadiums will be banned, though existing contracts will be honored. Communications Minister Anika Wells stated the government is "proud of this work and the balance it strikes," asserting the changes will "minimise" children's exposure and "break the link" between sports and gambling.
While some changes are welcome, all the evidence provided to the committee pointed to partial bans like this not working.
However, crossbenchers have expressed disappointment. Independent Curtin MP Kate Chaney called the proposal a "disappointment" that fails to break the gambling-sport link, citing evidence that partial bans are ineffective. Independent ACT senator David Pocock described the reforms as "smoke and mirrors," noting that only three of the 31 recommendations from the Murphy Report on gambling were implemented. He emphasized that children will continue to see gambling ads during live games, including during breaks.
Australians, and Australian children, will still be exposed to gambling advertising during live sporting games after 8:30pm, during half-time and in any unscheduled breaks.
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by Le Figaro in French. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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