The Age,arguing that there is a strong case to introduce measures akin to the regulations governing the advertising of tobacco products. and studies suggest this is a view that is increasingly shared in the wider community and among.
In addition, some high-profile AFL players are unwilling to be part of the growing relationship with gambling companies,exercising their right not to have their faces feature in Sportsbet advertising.
The good news is that tighter rules now appear likely. As,the federal government is expected to announce reforms following.
The inquiry,charged with investigating “”,was presented with a deluge of submissions from campaigners,academics,state governments and everyday citizens suggesting the current restrictions on gambling advertisements are ineffective and fail to protect children. The inquiry chair, said MPs “hear over and over again the community’s concern about the proliferation,on TV and online,of sports betting ads”.
While the ads are largely prohibited,the South Australian government’s submission cited a study finding 84 per cent of children aged 11 to 16 watched sport after this time,“and thus were exposed to gambling advertising”. It also cited research showing that in 2021 an average of,the equivalent of one every 91 seconds,demonstrating “how pervasive these ads have become”.
A submission from the Queensland government notes that television broadcast after 7pm is “saturated” with gambling ads. The NSW government,meanwhile,cites research that found nearly 90 per cent of people believe children are exposed to too much gambling promotion.
Victoria did not make a submission,apparently due to caretaker provisions during last year’s election,but Premier Daniel Andrews said that did not mean “ He signalled he had no problem with the tighter line being sought by the other states.
It is somewhat confounding,then,that our major sporting bodies have pushed back. In its submission,an organisation called,which represents the football codes as well as Tennis Australia and Cricket Australia,argues that the current rules “strike a reasonable and responsible balance between the public interest in regulating gambling advertisement and minimising problem gambling and the ability of legitimate,regulated wagering businesses to operate”.
The organisation also claims that if advertising revenue from bookmakers –,according to Nielsen research – were “diminished”,it would affect the sports media rights deals that generate the codes’ principal source of income.
The AFL has somewhat reflected fans’ concerns in and partnering with the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation.have also divested themselves of poker machines over the past four years:,Geelong,,Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs.
Yet,clearly,more must be done. Sporting codes,which engage in social advocacy on many issues,must play a larger role to curtail the wider scourge of gambling advertising and to reduce Australian sport’s insidious dependence,indirect or otherwise,on its revenue streams.
Longer term,the government of South Australia has suggested that online gambling advertising be heavily restricted or banned altogether;this must be given strong consideration. Failing that,greater safeguards are a must.
Patrick Elligett sends an exclusive newsletter to subscribers each week..