Australian Government Addresses Online Gambling Advertising with Inquiry and Consistent Messaging, says Hon Michelle Rowland MP
Australian Minister for Communications acknowledges community concerns about online gambling and promotes responsible gambling
The Hon Michelle Rowland MP, Minister for Communications, has acknowledged the concerns of the community about the harms associated with online gambling and the importance of responsible gambling promotions. As she stated, "The Australian Government recognises the ongoing community concern about harms associated with online gambling, including advertising materials, and the importance of gambling promotions being presented in a responsible manner."
To address these concerns, the Australian Government has established an inquiry into online gambling and its impacts on those experiencing gambling harm, as the Hon Michelle Rowland MP further stated, "which is being conducted by the Australian House of Representatives Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs." The committee is examining the effectiveness of current advertising restrictions in limiting children's exposure to gambling products and services, including through social media, among other issues. The Hon Michelle Rowland MP also mentioned that "The Government will consider the Committee’s recommendations when it releases its final report.”
In an effort to address the harms associated with online gambling, the Australian Government has implemented consistent gambling messaging from 30 March 2023. These are taglines about the risks and potential harm from online wagering and will replace ‘Gamble Responsibly’ in gambling advertisements that appear online, as well as television and radio.
Most content broadcast in Australia is regulated by co-regulatory codes of practice developed by broadcasting industry sectors in accordance with the Broadcasting Services Act 1992. There are rules that relate to the content and scheduling of advertisements, including gambling advertisements.
The content of gambling advertisements is further governed by the self‑regulatory codes of practice developed by the Australian Association of National Advertisers (AANA), such as its Wagering Code. These codes prohibit content that target children or suggest they are participating in gambling, exaggerate how likely someone is to be successful, or make a connection between gambling and alcohol. These are platform neutral including online advertisements.