Australia Moves Forward with Online Gambling Reform Amid Strong Criticism

Mitigating gambling-related harm

The bill introduced in Australia, Interactive Gambling Amendment (Gambling Reform) Bill 2026, seeks to reduce the exposure of the population in Australia to online gambling through a series of advertising restrictions and consumer protection measures. The proposal comes in response to the recommendations of the parliamentary report You Win Some, You Lose More, which described gambling as a public health problem.

Main measures envisaged

The project proposes:

-A maximum of three betting ads per hour on television between 6:00 and 20:30.

-Total prohibition of betting advertising during live sports broadcasts within those hours.

-Restrictions on radio announcements during school start and exit times.

-Online advertising only for users over 18 years of age, with age verification and access through registered accounts.

Protecting minors takes center stage

In addition to advertising restrictions, Australian authorities warn about the risks faced by children and adolescents in digital environments linked to entertainment and video games.

For its part, eSafety, the Australian authority in charge of promoting internet safety and protecting people from online harm, pointed out through its highest authority Julie Inman Grant, that online video games are not only leisure spaces, but also mass socialization platforms for minors, which increases their vulnerability to bullying situations. manipulation and recruitment by criminals.

"What we often see is that, after initial contact in gaming environments, offenders move minors to private courier services," Grant said.

Breaking the link between gambling and sports

The reform also aims to break the link between betting and Australian sport. The text prohibits gambling operators from sponsoring team shirts, signage in stadiums and advertisements starring celebrities or athletes, a measure aimed at reducing the normalization of gambling among children and adolescents.

Opposition and Greens demand tougher rules

Although there is consensus on the need to act, the content of the bill divides Parliament. The Coalition, the Greens and several independent senators believe the proposal leaves significant regulatory gaps.

One of the main claims is the prohibition of inducements, i.e. promotions such as free bets, welcome bonuses, enhanced odds and other incentives designed to prolong playing time. In addition, critics call for digital advertising to operate under an opt-in system rather than the opt-out model envisaged by the government.

Negotiations underway ahead of the vote

In conclusion, the Albanese government is holding talks with the opposition to get the necessary votes and does not rule out introducing modifications to the text. Among the changes being analysed are a greater harmonisation of the rules between television and streaming platforms, as well as a future independent review of the legislation to assess whether the measures are sufficient in the face of the evolution of the online market.

Meanwhile, the future of online gambling in Australia remains uncertain.