Australia pushes to ban gambling advertising

Australian regulators are facing mounting pressure to reform the country’s gambling advertising  laws, with advocacy groups like the Alliance for Gambling Reform calling for a phased ban across all media. This push follows recommendations from the Murphy Report, which aims to limit ads over three years, similar to UK restrictions. 

While Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, acknowledges the inordinate levels of gambling ads, his government favours moderate reforms – a position that has sparked criticism from campaigners. 

So, is the push in Australia to ban gambling advertising the start of a movement to ultimately ban gambling altogether? This article examines the current landscape of gambling advertising in Australia, compares it to the UK's stricter laws, and explores public opinion.

What’s going on in Australia with calls to ban advertising?

Australia is facing increased pressure to reform its gambling advertising regulations. Advocacy groups like the Alliance for Gambling Reform are at the forefront of a campaign to ban gambling advertising. 

Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has acknowledged concerns, noting that gambling ads during sports broadcasts, particularly, are excessive. However, his government has leaned towards more moderate reforms, such as limiting the number of ads shown each hour rather than enacting a total ban. This has irked campaigners, who argue that this falls short of the changes needed to tackle gambling-related harm.

While Australian advocates draw inspiration from UK legislation, public opinion leans toward more balanced measures. A survey by Freshwater Strategy reports 56% of Australians supporting moderate restrictions versus a total ban, reflecting a preference for controls that limit exposure without eliminating advertising.

Are Australian or UK laws stricter?

Gambling advertising laws in Australia are generally less stringent than those in the UK. While both countries have taken steps to regulate gambling advertising and protect vulnerable groups, there are some key differences:

• Regulatory Framework: In the UK, measures like the “whistle-to-whistle” ban, which stops gambling ads from airing during live sports before 9PM, have been implemented. This ban is designed to protect younger viewers from gambling promotions during prime viewing hours. Australia hasn’t rolled out such comprehensive rules nationwide yet.
• Advertising Content: UK regulations are pretty strict about what can be shown in gambling ads, ensuring they don't mislead people or downplay the risks of gambling. Australia has guidelines, too, but the enforcement can vary by state, sometimes, inevitably leading to inconsistencies and confusion
• Scope of Regulation: The UK's rules cover various advertising platforms – online, TV, radio, and social media – giving it a broader approach to addressing gambling advertising concerns. The regulations in Australia can be a bit patchy, with each state having its own rules. This can make it more challenging to understand the scope and the overall regulations.
• Public Health Approach: The UK has leaned into a public health perspective, treating gambling as a significant societal issue and pushing for policies that focus on harm reduction. However, Australia is still figuring things out – discussions are happening, with some groups calling for more robust public health measures, but we have yet to see those fully take shape.

How big is gambling in Australia? 

Gambling is a significant part of Australian culture, with around 80% of adults participating in some form of gambling throughout their lives. Each year, about 30-40% of adults actively engage in gambling activities. The most popular forms include lotteries, sports betting, horse racing and poker machines – also known as pokies, commonly found in pubs and clubs. Horse racing has an almost quasi-religious position in Australian culture, with many states having a public holiday for their biggest race of the year.

Spend and participation levels

Australians spend approximately AU$27.5 billion annually on gambling, which comes in at about AU$1,300 per adult per year. However, the spending can vary by state, particularly in areas prevalent with poker machines.

In comparison, the UK sees around 45% of adults gambling each year, with lotteries, sports betting, and online gambling being the most popular options. Total gambling expenditure in the UK is approximately £14.3 billion annually, equating to around £280 per adult yearly – less than half that of our our Aussie counterparts.

While both countries share a robust gambling culture, Australia’s higher participation rates and expenditure showcase more of a gambling ethos, raising concerns about the impacts on society and the need for regulatory measures.

Other comparisons between Australia and the UK

While regulators in Australia and the UK debate the effects of gambling advertising, their approaches and cultural contexts differ significantly. In the UK, regulations have been tightened in response to public health concerns, with measures like the “whistle-to-whistle” ban limiting gambling adverts during live sports to shield children from exposure. This framework reflects a proactive stance to addressing gambling-related harm.

Conversely, Australia is experiencing intense pressure to reform its gambling advertising regulations, particularly following the Murphy Report's recommendations. Advocacy groups like the Alliance for Gambling Reform argue for stronger measures, reiterating their position  that the Prime Minister's proposals fall short. While public opinion in Australia leans toward moderate restrictions—just over half of people support limiting ads rather than a total ban—there's growing concern over the normalisation of gambling in sports and its impact on public health.

Conclusion

Australia's journey towards reforming its gambling advertising laws reveals a complex landscape, balancing public health concerns with cultural norms. While the push for stricter regulations, inspired by the UK's proactive measures, gains momentum, the Australian government's current stance favours moderation over an outright ban. 

This reflects a broader societal debate on the best approach to mitigate gambling-related harm without fully curtailing advertising. As Australia grapples with its high rates of gambling participation and expenditure, the coming years will be crucial in determining the effectiveness of proposed reforms and their impact on reducing gambling harm while respecting individual freedoms.