Tasmanian Liquor and Gaming Commission pushes for tighter online gambling advertising restrictions

The Tasmanian Liquor and Gaming Commission is urging the Albanese government to get tougher on online gambling advertising, saying current restrictions are “no longer effective”.

Tasmania’s gaming regulator has urged the federal government to crack down on rampant online gambling advertising, saying the current restrictions are “no longer effective in protecting children and vulnerable people from exposure to gambling products”.

The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs is holding an inquiry into online gambling, with the terms of reference including the effectiveness of current advertising restrictions to limit the exposure of children to gambling products and services.

In a submission to the inquiry, Tasmanian Liquor and Gaming Commission (TLGC) chair Jenny Cranston said the body was “very concerned about the proliferation of gambling advertising across Australia”.

Tasmanian Liquor and Gaming Commission chair Jenny Cranston. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

She said the TLGC had received increasing numbers of complaints from consumers regarding the “pervasive nature” of the advertising, particularly via broadcast and social media.

“These complaints also include targeted advertising and tailored messaging to individuals on their personal devices, and in some instances, this has targeted people who have excluded themselves from gambling,” Ms Cranston said.

“Most of these complaints relate to wagering operators not licensed in Tasmania and the commission has little ability to take action other than to refer the complaint to the relevant regulator for investigation.

“It is the commission’s view that current media restrictions for gambling advertising are no longer effective in protecting children and vulnerable people from exposure to gambling products and that legislation has not kept pace with the digital evolution.”

Online gambling is chiefly regulated under the Commonwealth’s Interactive Gambling Act 2001.

Clark independent MP Andrew Wilkie said Australians had “had a gutful” of gambling advertising and that “most people would be happy to see it banned”.

Clark independent MP Andrew Wilkie. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

“Not a week goes by that this matter isn’t raised with me, not just by constituents, but by people right around the country,” he said.

Mr Wilkie has asked the inquiry to consider the option of linking online gambling companies “in real-time” so that customers can set a universal daily loss limit.

In its submission to the inquiry, leading online gambling company, Sportsbet, said any industry reform should strike a balance between the “needs” of people who gamble responsibly and the “necessary protections” for those at risk of harm or who are experiencing harm.

“There have been significant reforms in online wagering regulation, many of which are not yet fully implemented,” Sportsbet chief customer, sustainability and people officer Tania Abbotto said.

“It is critical these measures be properly evaluated for their effectiveness, and due consideration be given to which elements are retained or changed, as part of any future reforms.”