In the realm of sports betting, the Albanese government’s efforts to revamp regulations around gambling advertisements have hit a roadblock, with the industry opting for self-regulation over anticipated reforms. The government’s proclaimed commitment to addressing problem gambling, touted as more extensive than any previous administration, stands in stark contrast to the lack of progress on this front as the current term nears its end.
The government’s initiative to tackle the issue commenced with an inquiry in September 2022, spearheaded by the late Labor MP Peta Murphy. Following thorough investigations, which included over 160 public submissions and 13 days of public hearings, the inquiry culminated in the release of 31 recommendations in June 2023. Among these, recommendation 26 called for a phased comprehensive ban on all forms of online gambling advertising.
However, progress has been sluggish, and as the country approaches an election, the likelihood of immediate reform appears dim. The delay has allowed gambling companies like Sportsbet to take matters into their own hands, as evidenced by their recent decision to cease airing live odds advertisements during sports broadcasts. This move by Sportsbet underscores the absence of swift government action in the realm of gambling advertising reform.
Despite assertions from Communications Minister Michelle Rowland and Albanese that reform efforts are intricate, critics argue that the government’s expeditious passage of legislation concerning social media for minors in 2024 highlights a disparity in prioritization. The government’s failure to address gambling advertising adequately has inadvertently shifted the responsibility onto industry players, leading to a form of self-regulation within the sector.
Throughout the timeline of events, from the initiation of the gambling inquiry in 2022 to the shelving of reform efforts until after the upcoming election, a pattern of inertia emerges. The absence of concrete action by the government has left stakeholders and the public questioning the efficacy of the intended reforms. As the debate on gambling advertising reform persists, the onus remains on policymakers to navigate the complexities of the issue and deliver on commitments made to address the pervasive influence of sports betting advertisements.