The Australian Senate has recommended passage of gambling advertising reform legislation despite criticism from public health experts. Communications Minister Anika Wells introduced amendments to the Interactive Gambling Bill that establish a national opt-out register for gambling promotions.
The reforms impose a 'triple lock' system on digital platforms: mandatory login, age verification and an advertising opt-out option. Streaming services 9Now and 7plus will face the same restrictions as broadcast television. Endorsements by celebrities, athletes and influencers are banned. Regulator ACMA will have authority to demand opt-out functionality within 30 days, with penalties reaching 1,000 penalty units.
Bookmakers are prohibited from paying commissions and bonuses to staff or third parties for customer acquisition and retention. Senate hearings revealed operators offered high rollers cash and drugs. Former rugby league player Luke Bateman testified that VIP managers at betting companies arranged delivery of banned substances to clients. Attempts to circumvent the ban carry fines up to 7,500 units, enforceable extraterritorially.
The Senate committee received 97 submissions. Public health experts and regulators criticised the opt-out model as ineffective: research shows low rates of users changing default settings. The bill stops short of a total advertising ban recommended by the 2023 parliamentary report You Win Some, You Lose More. The Greens introduced a total ban bill in October 2024.
Industry body Responsible Wagering Australia criticised the reforms, warning of customer migration to illegal offshore sites. RWA chief Kai Cantwell noted that developers have less than four months to build the opt-out register, while BetStop took over four years to launch.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the bill 'the most significant gambling advertising reform in Australian history'. The legislation will pass third reading after agreement between the government and the opposition Coalition. It takes effect 1 January 2027.
