Parliament Passes Landmark News Bargaining Incentive and Strict Gambling Ad Reforms

News Bargaining Incentive Becomes Law

The Albanese Government secured a major legislative victory on Thursday by passing the News Bargaining Incentive (NBI) into law. The regulation forces major tech companies with annual digital advertising revenue exceeding $250 million in Australia to negotiate commercial deals with at least eight news outlets, or alternatively face a 2.75% levy on their digital ad revenue.

The framework is designed to ensure that global platforms fairly compensate local publishers for the premium journalism they profit from. Funds collected through the levy will be distributed via the News Journalism Payment Scheme based on journalist headcounts, with dedicated support earmarked for regional publishers, smaller outlets, and underrepresented communities.

Sweeping Restrictions on Gambling Advertising

In tandem with the media reforms, Parliament passed what Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described as the most significant gambling advertising reform in the nation's history. The Interactive Gambling Amendment (Gambling Reform) Bill 2026 places strict limitations on wagering promotions during live sports broadcasts and streaming services.

Under the new rules, gambling ads are prohibited from airing 15 minutes before a match begins until five minutes after it ends between 5:00 AM and 8:30 PM, capped at a maximum of three ads per hour. Additional amendments include an outright ban on gambling advertising in sports venues and on uniforms, restrictions on celebrity and influencer endorsements, and the establishment of enhanced powers for the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) to crack down on illegal offshore betting platforms.