Prime minister Anthony Albanese announces crackdown on gambling in bid to reduce exposure to harms
Australia's Prime Minister Albanese announced reforms to reduce gambling harm, particularly for children, by restricting advertising and online access.Summary
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has unveiled significant reforms aimed at mitigating the harms associated with gambling in Australia, with a particular focus on protecting children and young people. These changes follow a 2023 parliamentary inquiry that yielded 31 recommendations. Key measures include restrictions on gambling advertising, aiming to reduce children’s exposure by limiting the volume of advertisements. Specifically, celebrities and sportspeople will be prohibited from promoting gambling, and all gambling ads will be banned during live sports broadcasts between 6am and 8.30pm. Online platforms will be required to verify user age (18+) and offer opt-out options for gambling ads. Furthermore, gambling logos will be removed from sporting uniforms and venues, and radio advertising will be restricted during school hours. The government will also address harmful online lottery products and online “pocket pokies,” criminalize match-fixing nationally, and enhance support for financial counseling and public awareness regarding online gambling harms. Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek emphasized the widespread impact of gambling harm on individuals, families, and communities, and its link to domestic violence.
(Source：7NEWS Australia)