Albanese and Coalition Deal Restricts Australian Gambling Advertising

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Liberal-National Coalition reached a deal to pass sweeping gambling reform legislation that restricts betting advertisements and punter inducements. The reforms ban gambling ads from player jerseys, stadiums, and live sports, while extending the pre-game advertising blackout from five to 15 minutes. Broadcast restrictions for television and radio will run from 5 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., with a limit of three ads per hour.

A central feature of the legislation is the creation of a national Wagering Advertising Opt-out Register, which Albanese referred to as AdStop. Administered by the Australian Communications and Media Authority, this one-stop shop allows citizens to opt out of gambling ads across multiple online platforms. The system will be funded by a levy imposed on licensed interactive wagering service providers rather than taxpayers.

The deal faced significant backlash from the Greens, independent Senator David Pocock, and some Coalition members. Critics argue the package ignores the 2023 Murphy report's recommendations for a total phase-out of gambling ads. In protest, Nationals MP Pat Conaghan and Liberal MP Andrew Wallace crossed the floor to vote against the amendments. While the government maintains the reforms protect those most at risk of harm, opponents describe the compromise as a betrayal of public health. The reforms are expected to take effect on January 1, 2027.