Government Face Pressure from Alliance for Gambling Reform to Prohibit Advertisements for Gambling in Australia
In a bid to curb the rising issue of gambling-related harm, the Australian Alliance for Gambling Reform issued an open letter in 2023, calling for a ban on gambling advertising. Three years later, the federal government has yet to take action on this demand, despite strong public support.
The open letter, supported by heads of various health authorities, research institutions, journalists, and CEOs of major Australian corporations, has garnered significant attention. It expresses strong concerns about the negative impacts of escalating gambling advertising, particularly targeting sports betting advertisements, which the Alliance claims encourages people to participate in gambling in an unethical manner.
The call for a ban is not a new demand. In fact, similar requests were made before the 2024 European Championship, but were unsuccessful. The Alliance continues to compare the need for a gambling advertising ban to the tobacco advertising ban, highlighting ongoing harm caused by gambling ads flooding sports broadcasts and other venues.
The demand for a ban is not just about eliminating advertisements. It also includes other incentives and promotional activities for gambling. The Alliance for Gambling Reform is particularly concerned about the targeting of young people, with 14-year-olds being targeted by gambling advertising campaigns on social media.
The Australian government has taken some steps to address the issue. Last year, they introduced the self-exclusion register BetStop, allowing problem gamblers to opt out of all gambling activities. However, the Alliance has criticized BetStop for having major loopholes that allow gambling operators to evade restrictions.
Regulators such as the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) have enhanced enforcement powers, investigating and fining illegal or prohibited gambling advertising. However, the industry is adapting rapidly with technological innovations, meaning tighter regulation faces challenges in keeping pace.
The Alliance for Gambling Reform remains active in campaigning for a comprehensive ban and stronger regulations. Notable signatories of the open letter include former Prime Ministers John Howard and Malcolm Turnbull, adding weight to the call for action.
In the UK, a step towards addressing the issue has been taken. It will be prohibited for Premier League clubs to display gambling operator advertising on their shirts from the 2026/2027 season. As of 2025, no national gambling advertising ban is in place in Australia, and the government's silence continues despite public pressure.
Key points:
| Aspect | Current Status (2025) | |----------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------| | Government response | No response or action on 2023 Murphy report calling for ad ban[1] | | Public opinion | 85% of Australians support advertising restrictions or bans[1] | | Regulatory enforcement | ACMA empowered to investigate and fine illegal gambling ads[5] | | Industry trends | Growth in online gambling technology and complex regulatory needs[2]| | Self-exclusion schemes | BetStop criticized for loopholes and inadequate protections[1] | | Alliance for Gambling Reform | Actively campaigning for a total ban, likening it to tobacco ads ban[1] | | Targeting of young people | Concerns about 14-year-olds being targeted by gambling ads on social media | | Support from prominent figures | Signatures from former Prime Ministers John Howard and Malcolm Turnbull | | UK regulations | Prohibition of gambling operator advertising on Premier League shirts from 2026/2027 [3] | | Number of gambling ads | Over 1 million gambling advertisements aired on Australian television and radio each year [4] |
