Gambling advertising continues to be a major point of contention across Australia. While some measures have been passed to limit the amount of gambling advertisements that can be shown during sports broadcasts, but there are some individuals that believe more can be done. A report in The Age, notes that Jane Garrett, the Gaming and Liquor Regulation Minister, wants tougher federal laws on gambling advertising.
She believes that the current review on online gambling laws should be expanded to gambling ads in Australia. It continues to be a heavily debated issue, and now seems to be the ideal time to address it officially – since the country’s current online gambling laws are already under review.
Ms Garrett has written to Social Services Minister Christian Porter and Communications Minister Mitch Fifield, requesting an expansion of the review: "We need to start a national conversation now, particularly around its impact on kids and young people who are bombarded through sports betting advertising.
Given many wagering services providers operate nationally, there is scope for the Australian and state and territory governments to work collaboratively to improve the effectiveness of gambling advertising regulation”. She has suggested that local politicians develop measures that will control or minimise the potential harm that can be caused by gambling advertising.
These could include restrictions that are placed on the content that can be included in these ads, or on the times and locations at which gambling ads can be broadcast or displayed. Another issue concerns which regulatory body would enforce stricter laws.
Ms Garrett has suggested that the review should determine whether or not the Australian Communications and Media Authority has the power to regulate gambling ads in the country, or if a new authority should be established.
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