Released 07/02/2025
Ever wanted to tune in to the cricket or footy with your kids without a barrage of betting odds? You’re not alone, with responses from recent public consultation overwhelmingly backing tighter controls on gambling ads, particularly during televised sports.
The ACT Government has released a listening report from the YourSay consultation, Limiting Child and Youth Exposure to Gambling Advertising in the ACT, which ran from 29 July to 6 September 2024. The consultation attracted 141 contributions from individuals and organisations who provided feedback on proposals to limit gambling advertising harms outlined in a discussion paper.
Minister for Gaming Reform Dr Marisa Paterson said the results demonstrated the community’s desire for change.
“Canberrans have clearly stated their desire for stronger protections against gambling advertising, particularly for children and young people,” said Minister Paterson.
“This consultation shows the community wants meaningful restrictions to protect vulnerable individuals and families from the potential harms of excessive gambling promotion.”
Key findings from the consultation include:
- Overwhelming support for stricter advertising restrictions: In total, 97% favoured broader TV restrictions on weekdays and weekends.
- Concern for family-friendly content: The same proportion expressed a strong desire to keep sporting content free from gambling advertisements to protect children and young viewers.
- Call for even stronger measures: 81% of respondents advocated for a complete ban on gambling advertising, similar to tobacco advertising restrictions.
- Support for a national approach: Industry bodies, including the Australian Lottery and Newsagents’ Association, Free TV Australia, and Responsible Wagering Australia, recommended pursuing a nationally consistent regulatory framework to address cross-jurisdictional complexities.
“The ACT Government will continue to work to reduce the harm from gambling in the ACT, which will include consideration of a local response to the regulation of gambling advertising if necessary.”
Quotes attributable to Associate Professor Aino Suomi, Director of the ANU Centre for Gambling Research:
“Regulation of gambling advertising has fallen behind community standards and currently doesn’t protect children and young people from easily preventable harm. We know that gambling advertising works, and the young people now turning 18 are the first generation of Australians who’ve been exposed to gambling advertising their whole lives.
“We have to do better for the future generations, and we have to act now, regardless — and because of — the lack of strong national leadership on the issue.”
- Statement ends -
Marisa Paterson, MLA | Media Releases