11/05/23
Australia PM Publicly Expresses Dislike of Gambling Ads as Pressure Mounts
Lisa Cheban | 2 June, 2023 11:17 | Last update on: 2 June, 2023 11:17
Following opposition leader Peter Dutton’s proposal to ban betting commercials because “football time is family time,” Anthony Albanese said he is annoyed with the constant assault of betting advertisements during sporting events. The Australian prime minister stated a review on the issue is underway, and he would not explicitly comment on any proposals to outlaw online casinos advertising.
When questioned about whether all legal avenues now led to the prohibition on gambling adverts during sporting events due to growing public concern, Albanese responded:
“I don’t want to pre-empt the review which is under way. But on a personal level, I find them annoying.”
Dutton has been going hard on gambling adverts recently, using his budget speed to propose a ban during broadcasts. Speaking to the parliament, Dutton joined the Greens and independents in calling for action, saying the bombardment of betting ads has taken the joy of watching televised sports.
The Liberal leader commented: “Worse, they are changing the culture of our country in a bad way and normalising gambling at a young age.”
In a quick rejoinder, Albernese said he was surprised with Dutton’s advocacy, considering his Coalition didn’t do anything about the issue for 9 years they served.
Albanese confirmed the government is creating proactive policies, stating: “We’ve been in government for a year and we’ve got a review that we initiated after we’ve already changed the advertising guidelines and strengthened them regarding any advertising for gambling.”
The PM pointed out that the government had pushed for new, harm-minimisation messaging on commercials, prohibited using credit cards for online gambling, and limited gambling-like activities in video games.
Significant Backlash is Expected
The gaming industry is expected to oppose any eventual advertising ban passed by the parliament. Free TV, the industry’s leading organisation for commercial television, has already voiced opposition, and estimates from the sector indicate that broadcasters might lose millions in advertising revenue. The organisation has confirmed that the gambling industry was already taking action.
The gaming industry is expected to oppose any eventual advertising ban passed by the parliament. Free TV, the industry’s leading organisation for commercial television, has already voiced opposition, and estimates from the sector indicate that broadcasters might lose millions in advertising revenue. The organisation has confirmed that the gambling industry was already taking action.
The gaming industry is expected to oppose any eventual advertising ban passed by the parliament. Free TV, the industry’s leading organisation for commercial television, has already voiced opposition, and estimates from the sector indicate that broadcasters might lose millions in advertising revenue. The organisation has confirmed that the gambling industry was already taking action.
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