Committee recommends phasing out online gambling ads in three years

The time frame has been floated as a way for sporting codes to find new advertisers.

A federal government committee has recommended phasing out advertising for online gambling in three years.

The House of Representatives standing committee on social policy and legal affairs on Tuesday handed down its report on online gambling and its impacts - including 31 recommendations.

“A phased, comprehensive ban on online gambling advertising is recommended within three years,” Committee chair Peta Murphy said.

“Gambling advertising and simulated gambling through video games, is grooming children and young people to gamble and encourages riskier behaviour.”

The committee has recommended phasing out all advertising of online gambling services over three years.

The ban would be rolled out in four phases over the three years, starting with the banning of online gambling advertising during school drop off and pick up times, followed by banning the adverts during an hour either side, and during, sporting events.

This would include banning advertising online gambling services in stadiums, and on players’ uniforms.

The third phase would see the ads banned altogether between 6am and 10pm, before the final phase and complete ban at the end of the third year.

“We have a culture where sport and gambling are intrinsically linked,” Ms Murphy said.

“These behaviours are causing increasingly widespread and serious harm to individuals, families, and communities.”

Peta Murphy, member for Dunkley, and chair of the House of Representatives standing committee on social policy and legal affairs. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

Ms Murphy said the three year time frame would allow sporting codes and broadcasters time to find new sponsors and advertisers.

Among the recommendations is a levy on online gambling, establishing a national regulator with an ombudsman, and creating an education campaign.

Help for gambling addiction can be found by calling Gambling Help Online on 1800 858 858.

Originally published as Committee recommends phasing out online gambling ads in three years