‘Biggest losers’: Ban advertising online gambling within three years, report demands

Betting app advertising during sporting matches could be coming to an end, with a landmark report calling for a ban within three years of the “manipulative” practice that is “grooming children and young people to gamble”.

Endless betting app advertising during sporting matches could be coming to an end, with a landmark report being released on Wednesday calling for a ban on advertising of online gambling within three years.

It is one of a suite of measures to crack down on gambling advertising and simulated gambling in video games recommended by a parliamentary committee inquiry into online gambling and gambling harm.

The “You win some, you lose more” report will be handed down on Wednesday morning by committee chair Peta Murphy, who said Australians were “the biggest losers in the world when it comes to gambling”.

Parliamentary committee inquiry into online gambling chair Peta Murphy. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Gary Ramage

One of its key recommendations will be a phased, comprehensive ban on advertising online gambling within three years, which would put an end to significant amounts of gambling advertising during sporting matches.

“This will give major sports and broadcasters time to find alternative advertisers and sponsors, while preventing another generation from experiencing escalating gambling harm,” Ms Murphy will say.

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

“The torrent of advertising is inescapable. It is manipulating an impressionable and vulnerable

audience to gamble online.”

Outgoing AFL boss Gill McLachlan told one of the inquiry’s hearings that cutting ties with gambling sponsors would result in a funding shortfall that would amount to an almost entire net financial loss, because betting companies couldn’t easily be replaced with other sponsorship categories.

AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan

He said over-regulating betting ads or restricting gambling sponsorship associated with the AFL would compromise the game.

Tabcorp CEO Adam Rytenskild welcomed the report, saying it was important for the sustainability of the industry.

“The proliferation of gambling advertising has gone too far. Families do not want to be bombarded with gambling advertising when they are watching TV at home,” he said.

He said Tabcorp backed the recommendation for nationally consistent rules and wanted to play a constructive role while the government considered the report.

In its submission to the inquiry, Tabcorp called for a ban on free-to-air television gambling advertising between 6.30pm and 8.30pm from next year or sooner, as well as a national regulator to be set up.

Responsible Wager Australia boss Kai Cantwell, who represents gambling companies including bet365, Betfair, Entain, Sportsbet and Pointsbet, said blanket bans, even phased in, were “short-sighted, ineffective and not the answer”.

“RWA recognises community concerns around online wagering advertising and there are more effective ways of meeting community expectations,” Mr Cantwell said.

“Other more measured options which could be considered by the Government include capping the numbers of gambling ads to be shown.

“We know that strict changes – like blanket bans and banning inducements, such as bonus bets – often prove ineffective in addressing problem gambling, with Australians instead turning to illegal offshore markets as they seek out these options.”

Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said the government would consider the report in full and consult with stakeholders before outlining any proposed reforms.

Tabcorp CEO Adam Rytenskild welcomed the report, saying it was important for the sustainability of the industry. Picture: Grant Peters - Trackside Photography

“This report provides a comprehensive review of online gambling, and outlines options to reduce gambling harms in Australia,” she said.

Social ServicesMinister Amanda Rishworth said its responsibilities around online wagering and gambling advertising seriously.

“We are working together to implement the remaining measures of the National Consumer Protection Framework and already we have implemented activity statements, staff training and new evidence-based taglines,” she said.

Opposition leader Peter Dutton proposed during his budget reply speech that gambling ads on television be banned during matches and for an hour before and an hour afterwards.

The Albanese Government has been waiting on the release of the parliamentary committee’s report before it makes a decision on gambling advertising.

The report will have 31 recommendations, including that the Federal Government develop and

implement a comprehensive national strategy on online gambling harm reduction, set up an online gambling ombudsman, create a harm reduction levy on online wagering service providers, as well as conduct a public education campaign.

It also endorses proposed changes to the video game classification system, such as including a simulated gambling warning, to reduce the risk of harm from social casinos and loot box features in interactive games.

More details of the committee’s report are expected to be unveiled on Wednesday morning.

News Corp Australia, publisher of The Courier-Mail, is part owner of sports betting venture Betr.

Originally published as ‘Biggest losers’: Ban advertising online gambling within three years, report demands