How and when the proposed gambling advertising opt-out register will work
Australia's government proposes a centralized opt-out register to block gambling ads, facing implementation challenges and criticism for insufficient harm prevention.Summary
The Australian government plans to introduce a centralized opt-out register to allow individuals to block gambling advertisements across online platforms. This initiative, part of a broader gambling ad reform package, includes a 'triple-lock' mechanism to restrict ads for users under 18 and requires platforms to proactively check the register. While the government aims to simplify opting out, critics argue the measure is inadequate, citing unaddressed recommendations from the 2023 'You Win Some, You Lose More' report. The Communications Minister, Anika Wells, emphasized the register as a 'one-stop shop' for users, though implementation details remain unclear. The scheme, managed by ACMA and funded by gambling companies via a levy, is expected to launch in 2025, with broader reforms taking effect in July 2024. Critics, including the Greens, question the complexity of data sharing across platforms and doubt ACMA's capacity to manage the system effectively.
(Source：ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation))