Evidence shows that gambling advertising is contributing to increasing individual and social harms. Many Australians are also frustrated by current levels of gambling advertising, and especially about children’s exposure to it. In light of such evidence and concerns, in 2023 the Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs (the Murphy inquiry) recommended a comprehensive ban on advertising for online gambling You win some, you lose more: online gambling and its impacts on those experiencing gambling harm. Since then, several private members’ and senators’ bills have been introduced that seek to impose further restrictions on gambling advertising.
This policy brief outlines the drivers behind the Murphy inquiry recommendation, the current state of gambling advertising regulation, and possible avenues for change.
Key points
- Research evidence supports a strong causal relationship between gambling advertising, increased gambling activity, and related individual and social harms.
- The regulation of online gambling falls largely to the Australian Government. Currently, restrictions on gambling advertising scheduling and content are largely imposed through industry codes of practice, enforced by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).
- It would be possible for the government to introduce tighter restrictions on gambling advertising without legislative change, depending on how comprehensive it wishe
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