Australia gambling body rallies against advertising ban proposals

Responsible Wagering Australia says a blanket ban on gambling advertising – as recommended by a government inquiry – would be “short-sighted, ineffective and not the answer” to making the industry safer in the country.

The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs’ report on the state of the Australian gambling industry called for a four-phase, “comprehensive” ban on advertising among its 31 recommendations.

Phase one would prohibit all online gambling advertisements and adverts on social media, as well as removing advertising during news and current affairs broadcasts and between 8.30am and 9am, and 3.30pm and 4pm – the latter recommendation targeted at avoiding children’s exposure to adverts.

The proposed ban would lead to phase four – the “prohibition on all online gambling advertising and sponsorship.”

However, RWA’s CEO, Kai Cantwell, said other, “more measured” options include capping the number of gambling adverts shown.

“By doing this, the expectations of the community to see less advertising would be met, while also maintaining the crucial support to sporting codes and local broadcasters,” he added.

Cantwell said cutting bonus bets and other inducements would lead Australians to the illegal offshore markets “as they seek out these options.”

The RWA’s statement added: “RWA members support the Committee’s renewed focus on cracking down on offshore providers but are concerned the report ignores the key drivers that encourage people to gamble offshore, with 47 per cent of Australians who gamble having used offshore sites.”

Cantwell said that the RWA has “consistently called for” measures which “ensure that wagerers know which sites are legal and safe to use.”

The Committee elsewhere recommended in its report that a new national regulator be set up in Australia. The Committee’s chair, Peta Murphy, said Australia has a “weak and fragmented” regulatory framework that shows “inconsistency” across states and territories.

She added there is “little incentive” for states and territories to impose tougher regulations or licensing fees, with the Northern Territory Racing Commission subsequently becoming Australia’s “de facto” online gambling regulator.