Australia Takes a Stand: New Limitations on Gambling Ads!

Thu Apr 02 2026 15:01:21 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

In a significant move, Australia announces reforms to gambling advertising laws, promising stricter regulations to safeguard youth and combat addiction. The new measures, however, have sparked debate among industry leaders and advocates alike.

Facing years of public pressure about gambling advertising, the Australian government has laid out new reforms aimed at limiting where and when gambling ads appear, especially to protect children. The restrictions include capping TV ads during certain hours, banning celebrity endorsements, and outlawing ads in sports venues. Critics argue that the measures still don't go far enough, while supporters call for a total ban on gambling ads. These reforms reflect growing concerns about gambling's impact in a country with the highest per capita gambling losses worldwide.

The Australian government has announced long-awaited gambling advertising reforms, after years of public pressure.

The suite of measures will further limit when and where gambling ads can appear, as well as who can star in them - but it stops short of a full ban, which had cross-party support and the backing of a range of community groups.

Restrictions have been fiercely opposed by powerful gambling agencies, as well as media firms and sports organisations who feared a steep revenue hit.

Australians lose more money to gambling, per capita, than anywhere else in the world.

A number of countries - like Italy, Belgium and Spain - have introduced total or near-total bans on gambling advertising, and a parliamentary inquiry weighing up reform in Australia recommended similar more than 1000 days ago.

In a speech to the National Press Club, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated, Letting adults have a punt if they want to, but making sure our children don't see betting ads everywhere they look.

Under the reforms, from January 1:

TV ads from betting agencies will be capped at three per hour, between 6am and 8:30pm, and banned completely from any live sports broadcasts during those hours.
Gambling ads will be banned from radio during school pick-up and drop-off times.
Celebrities and sports players will not be permitted to appear in gambling advertising.
Gambling ads on online platforms will be banned, unless people have a logged in account, are over 18 and have the option to opt-out.
Gambling ads will be outlawed in sports venues and on players' and officials' uniforms.

The measures have already prompted backlash from industry voices, with claims they could drive customers to illegal overseas betting options. Advocates for stronger restrictions continue to push for a complete ban, arguing that anything less risks the wellbeing of Australians, especially children.