New rules regarding gambling adverts are to be implemented by the Australian Subscription Television and Radio Association (ASTRA). The new provisions have already been added to the Commercial Radio Code for Practice after a community consultation period and are to be enforced on March 30th.
The amendments come to complement the existing rules under which betting odds promotions are suspended during live sport. The Communications Minister Mitch Fifield revealed that additional legislation is to be presented to the Parliament to make sure similar rules are applied to online content.
Under ASTRA’s new rules, gambling ads are to be suspended from live sport coverage between 5:00 AM and 8:30 PM. The gambling commercials will not be allowed to air five minutes before or after the game, as well as during gameplay and all breaks during the game. Gambling ads will still be allowed to be broadcast at all other times under the already existing gambling advertising rules.
In addition, certain advertising restrictions would apply during long-form live sports coverage, including cricket, tennis, the Commonwealth Games, etc.
Joan Warner, the Chief Executive Officer of Commercial Radio Australia (CRA), revealed that the new provisions were created as part of the media reform package unveiled by the Federal Government. Back in May 2017, the Federal Government of Australia revealed that certain restrictions on gambling advertising would be implemented, with them applying to commercial and subscription television, commercial radio, SBS and online platforms.
CRA Insists for Similar Rules to Online Platforms
The new rules were developed in collaboration between the Australian Subscription Television and Radio Association and the industry. They were also given the approval of the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).
As previously reported by Casino Guardian, the Government of Australia has been focused on making some media reforms for some time now, in order to put some limits on the number of TV gambling commercials. Some local authorities have raised a red flag, saying that gambling commercials have increased to an extent that could have negative impact on children and more vulnerable individuals by “normalising” gambling.
Earlier in 2018, the ASTRA made a proposal for low-rating sport channels broadcasting overseas sports events, saying that it would be better for such broadcasting groups to be excluded from the ban. Under the new rules, sports channels which have an audience share amounting to 0.5% or less are to be exempt from the restrictions. The exemption, however, would not apply to events of national significance, as well as to any Fox Sports channel.
The CEO of CRA, Joan Warner, further shared some concerns about ongoing delays in the authorities imposing similar restrictions for online platforms. According to Warner, even after such new rules are developed by the ACMA and passed by the Parliament, there would be a period of public consultation, which would additionally delay the process.
- Author
Daniel Williams
