The Government of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) has shared plans to impose significant restrictions and a possible outright suspension on sports betting adverts, with senior members of the Cabinet warning that the gambling ads have had a detrimental impact on the local community.
The confirmation of the ACT Government’s plans comes at a time when Rebekha Sharkie and Monique Ryan, federal crossbench Members of Parliament, have noted they were uncomfortable with the increasing volume of gambling adverts. They, along with some other Members of Parliament, have already urged the Federal Government to intervene in order to reduce gambling-related harm inflicted on the most vulnerable members of society.
Shane Rattenbury, the ACT attorney general, has already described how the gambling industry is gradually targeting young male gamblers and noted that the Australian Capital Territory may finally take action on the issue in case the Federal Government does not decide to impose more restrictions following a parliamentary inquiry. According to him, the ideal case scenario would involve some actions on gambling advertising on the Federal Government’s part. However, the ACT Government is also considering some options aimed at restricting gambling ads in the state. Mr Rattenbury explained that the local authorities were exploring the implementation of a regime similar to the one adopted by South Australia on TV gambling ads.
As Casino Guardian previously revealed, the restrictions introduced by the South Australian Government in 2013 are actually more severe than the ones adopted by the Federal Government. Currently, all advertising on TV is banned between 4:00 PM and 7:30 PM, regardless of the programme.
Opponents of Gambling Adverts Call for the Federal Government to Impose More Restrictions to Stop Normalisation of Gambling
The liquor and gambling commissioner of the state, Dini Soulio, has recently informed a parliamentary inquiry that the restrictions on gambling advertising had to be enhanced nationally.
Earlier in March, Mr Rattenbury explained that any restrictions on gambling advertising in the state would have to be imposed on both radio and television channels in order to make sure that consumers are actually protected. He believes that it is extremely important for the Federal Government to do so, particularly at times when younger audiences are watching.
According to Members of Parliament supporting the proposed restrictions on gambling advertising, the industry needs to cut its close links with the Australian Football League (AFL). Campaigners have noted that promoting gambling in association with AFL matches is having a negative impact on society, and on young people in particular, because they are normalising it to them.
A survey held by the AFL Fans Association among 3,000 people found that gambling advertising was the most common concern of fans. The research found that 76% of fans would back a gambling advertising ban to be implemented on TV and radio channels, while even more – 79% of the survey respondents – supported a proposed ban on gambling promotions at stadiums.
Crossbench MPs also noted that local broadcasting groups had to make reforms in order to reduce the exposure of underage individuals and young adults to gambling advertising. They would support stricter limits to be imposed on the times when adverts can be aired, the events or shows where they can be aired, and a limit to the overall percentage of time that can be used for gambling advertising.
So far, the peak body for major sporting codes in Australia has backed the existing advertising rules and claimed that the implementation of more restrictions could have a negative impact on funding for major sporting programs.
- Author
Daniel Williams
