Australia Unveils Groundbreaking Reforms to Curb Gambling Ads

The Australian government, led by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, is implementing major reforms to curb gambling advertising, aiming to minimize gambling-related harm. Measures include celebrity bans and strict advertisement timing. Changes will take effect in 2027, affecting top gaming companies like Sportsbet and Ladbrokes.

Australia is set to introduce a sweeping series of measures aimed at curbing gambling advertising, as announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The reforms, described as the most significant in the nation's history, target the world's largest gambling market, known for its high per-capita betting losses.

Prime Minister Albanese emphasized the government's resolve to address public health issues linked to gambling by imposing stringent rules starting in 2027. Key measures include limiting children's exposure to gambling ads by capping TV commercials to three per hour between 6 a.m. and 8:30 p.m., and banning them completely during live sports broadcasts within those hours.

Additional restrictions involve prohibiting radio gambling ads during school drop-off and pick-up times, limiting online ads to registered users over 18, and banning the use of celebrities and sports stars in promotions. These changes are expected to impact major online gaming firms such as Sportsbet and Ladbrokes, with market reactions already observed.

(With inputs from agencies.)