Strong action to tackle gambling harms

The Albanese Government is taking strong action to protect Australians, particularly children and young people, from the harms of gambling.

New reforms include restrictions on gambling advertising and a crackdown on dodgy operators to protect vulnerable Australians.

The reforms will minimise children's exposure to gambling harm by stopping the deluge of advertisements through:

• Restricting gambling advertising on broadcast television to no more than three ads each hour between 6am and 8.30pm, with a complete ban during live sport broadcasts within those hours
• Banning gambling ads on the radio during school drop off and pick up times (8am to 9am and 3pm to 4pm)
• Banning gambling ads through online platforms, unless people have a logged in account, are over 18 and have the option to opt-out of gambling advertising
• Banning the use of celebrities and sports players in gambling ads, along with odds-style ads targeting sports fans
• Banning gambling ads in sports venues and on players' and officials' uniforms.

Complementing this strong action on gambling advertising, the Albanese Government will:

• Crackdown on harmful and emerging online lottery products, as well as banning online keno "pocket pokies"
• Make match-fixing criminal offences consistent across Australia, improving the integrity of Australian sport and lessening its appeal as a target for criminal infiltration
• Boost enforcement against illegal offshore gambling providers
• Continue work to strengthen BetStop - the National Self-Exclusion Register, following the recent statutory review
• Expand financial counselling support for gambling and work to increase public awareness of online gambling harms.
  The Government will develop legislation to implement these measures, with reforms to begin from 1 January 2027.

Quotes attributable to the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

"The Government is taking decisive action to tackle the community and public health concerns associated with gambling.

"We're getting the balance right here, letting adults have a punt if they want to but also making sure Australian children don't see betting ads everywhere they look.

"What we don't want is kids growing up thinking that footy and gambling are the same thing."

Quotes attributable to Minister for Social Services Tanya Plibersek

"Every Australian knows someone hurt by gambling. Gambling harm doesn't just hurt individuals - it can have a devastating impact on families and communities.

"We're making sure a new generation of kids don't grow up thinking having a punt is a vital part of enjoying sport.

"Gambling is increasingly recognised as a contributing factor in domestic violence. Young men are particularly vulnerable to gambling harm.

"These reforms will put the welfare of young Australians first and play a critical role to help prevent family and domestic violence."

Quotes attributable to Minister for Communications and Minister for Sport Anika Wells

"Gambling addiction is a serious public health issue and this announcement represents strong reform to reduce gambling harms in Australia's history.

"From 1 January next year Australians will be able to sit down with their families and cheer on their favourite team without being bombarded by gambling advertising.

"Our reforms will break the connection between wagering and sport, minimise children's exposure to wagering advertising and reduce its saturation across the internet, radio and TV channels.

"Australian parents, families and sports fans have been calling for action, and we thank all those involved for their continued engagement and advocacy as we've worked continuously to get the settings balanced and right."