Australia eyes reduce gambling advertisements on TV, radio, online and on the field from 2027

Australia will reduce gambling advertisements on TV, radio, online and on the field, alongside a ban on sports stars and celebrities appearing in such campaigns.

Under reforms to be introduced when Parliament returns in May, there will be broadcast restrictions, particularly during live sports events.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the move at a National Press Club address on Thursday, describing it as “the most significant reform on gambling”.

Restrictions will include a maximum of three ads between 6am and 8.30pm on radio and TV, with a complete ban during live sport broadcasts.

There will be a complete ban on radio during school drop off time between 8am and 9am, and during pick up between 3pm and 4pm.

There will be a tightening on online advertising to ensure the user is aged over 18 by forcing ads behind a login to create a digital barrier.

On the field, gambling ads will be banned at sports venues and on players’ and officials’ uniforms.

Mr Albanese said it was about stopping the deluge of advertisements to minimise children’s exposure to gambling harm.

“Making sure our children don’t see gambling ads everywhere they look, because we don’t want kids growing up thinking that footy and gambling are inextricably linked,” he said.

“We want Australians to love sport for what it is.

“We’re getting the balance right here, letting adults have a punt if they want to but also making sure Australian children don’t see betting ads everywhere they look.”

As part of a broader strategy, outlined in a joint statement on Thursday with Communications Minister Anika Wells and Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek, he listed five key areas the reforms would also tackle.

It included cracking down on online lottery products or “pocket pokies” that bypass current gambling laws, creating uniform federal criminal offenses for match-fixing and working harder to block illegal offshore gambling sites.

Continued work to strengthen BetStop was also listed as was expanding financial counselling support for gambling.

The Government will develop legislation with an aim for the reforms to begin from January 1, 2027.