TV gambling advertising would be banned within two years and an almost immediate ban would be imposed on online gambling ads under the federal government gambling reforms soon to hit Cabinet.
Sky News can reveal that due to contractual arrangements, a TV ban would take almost two years to come into effect but restrictions could be placed in federal legislation on bookmakers sooner, preventing them from putting ads on social media sites and online.
A blanket advertising ban, which was what a parliamentary committee led by the late Labor MP Peta Murphy recommended, is not being considered, Sky News understands, but the ban that will be introduced is being aimed at three areas of concern: the current saturation of gambling ads, the amount of exposure of children to gambling ads and the issue of gambling advertising during sporting matches.
The advertising aspect – which Communications Minister Michelle Rowland has been consulting industry about – is part of a suite of reforms set to be approved by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
Many of the recommendations of the parliamentary committee report are being handled by Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth.
Ms Rishworth told Sky News’ Sunday Agenda program that the recommendation to establish a national online gambling regulator would not be carried through.
“At this point that is not in the discussions with states and territories,” Ms Rishworth said.
“What is in the discussion with states and territories is around how we better co-ordinate and move forward a unified effort when it comes to online gaming.”
News that a national online gambling regulator is not part of the reforms has surprised some of Ms Rishworth’s colleagues.