Australia’s Labor government delays gambling advertising reforms

Sudhanshu Ranjan December 2, 2024

SiGMA news

Australia is at a crossroads in addressing the pervasive impact of gambling advertisements. With the Labour government’s decision to delay federal reforms on this critical issue until 2025, debate intensifies among reform advocates, industry stakeholders, and the public. The postponement comes despite mounting evidence of the social harm caused by gambling advertisements and increasing calls for decisive action.

Growth of gambling advertisements

Gambling advertisements have become a ubiquitous feature of Australian media, from TV commercials to online platforms. The industry’s spending on advertising has surged, creating a culture where gambling is normalised, even among younger audiences.

The widespread presence of these ads has sparked concerns over their influence on vulnerable groups, particularly children and problem gamblers. While the gambling industry contributes significantly to the economy, the societal costs, including addiction and family breakdowns, cannot be ignored.

Murphy report recommendations

Authored by the late MP Peta Murphy, the 2023 report was a landmark effort to address gambling-related harms. It emphasised the urgent need to curb the normalisation of gambling through a phased ban on advertising. The report proposed a three-year plan to gradually eliminate gambling advertisements across all media platforms. It also highlighted the importance of safeguarding public health over industry profits.

Murphy stated in her final report, “Australia must act decisively to curtail the influence of gambling advertisements on our society. Normalising gambling, particularly among young people, is a public health crisis waiting to happen.”

Labour’s pledge and current position

During the 2022 election campaign, Labour committed to tackling gambling-related issues, including advertising reforms. These promises were central to gaining public trust. Fast forward to 2024, the government has yet to finalise a concrete plan. Opposition from powerful stakeholders, including the media and sports sectors, has played a significant role in stalling progress.

The government’s current proposals aim to prohibit gambling ads one hour before and after live sporting events, limit gambling ads on TV to two per hour, and restrict targeted online advertisements.

Prominent voices, including Independent MP Andrew Wilkie, have criticised the delay as a failure to prioritise public welfare. Reform groups like the Alliance for Gambling Reform argue that each day of inaction exacerbates addiction and societal harm.

Wilkie stated, “Watering down Murphy’s proposals shows the government is bowing to pressure from the gambling lobby instead of standing up for the people it promised to protect.”

Tim Costello, who leads the Alliance for Gambling Reform, stated, “Every day this government delays meaningful reform, more families are hurt. The saturation of gambling ads is driving addiction and destroying lives.”

Government’s justification

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has defended the measured approach, citing the need to balance community concerns with economic realities.

Speaking to reporters, Albanese stated, “We need to find a balanced path that addresses community concerns while supporting industries that Australians rely on for jobs and entertainment. These countermeasures were immediately chastised by gambling reformists. Independent MP Andrew Wilkie, a vocal advocate for gambling reforms, called the delay a slap in the face to vulnerable Australians who have been harmed by gambling. Watering down Murphy’s proposals shows the government is bowing to pressure from the gambling lobby instead of standing up for the people it promised to protect.”

Communications Minister Michelle Rowland has reiterated the government’s commitment to addressing the issue. Rowland said, “We understand the concerns of both the public and the industries involved. Our goal is to craft legislation that reduces harm while balancing economic realities.”

Every day of delay allows gambling advertisements to further entrench themselves in the cultural fabric, amplifying addiction rates and harming vulnerable individuals. While reformists call for decisive action, the government must also weigh the economic repercussions of drastic measures on industries reliant on gambling revenue.