The Albanese Government is preparing to tighten controls on gambling advertising, with legislation expected to be brought before parliament by early 2026. Communications Minister Anika Wells has been consulting with industry representatives as the government considers how far to extend current rules, particularly around free-to-air television and live sports coverage. The policy review comes after earlier leaks revealed plans for a ban on gambling ads between 6am and 10pm, alongside limits on promotion during sporting events. Those draft proposals also pointed to a full block on advertising during live sports, though racing coverage was flagged as a possible exception, leaving uncertainty that has carried into the current talks.
As Canberra considers curbs on gambling promotion, Australians can still access pokies ranging from classic three-reel titles to more complex progressives, all playable in AUD with widely used options such as PayID and Neosurf, plus fast withdrawals (source:Â https://www.pokerscout.com/casino/au/online-pokies-real-money/). That ongoing accessibility highlights the challenge lawmakers face: restricting visibility without simply driving players toward unregulated offshore providers.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has recently addressed calls for a full ban on gambling advertising, noting his concern that harsh limits could fuel offshore activity. He has pointed to existing harm-reduction initiatives, but critics argue the measures do not go far enough. Stakeholders, particularly in racing and broadcasting, have argued for exemptions, pointing to the sector’s reliance on betting sponsorships and advertising.
Public opinion, however, is firmly in favour of change. The push for reform reflects strong public backing, with recent polls on banning gambling advertising showing that more than three-quarters of Australians favour a phased approach to tighter restrictions, a result that has intensified pressure on broadcasters and racing bodies who warn of major revenue losses. Support from advocacy and health groups, noted in broader debates on gambling reform, has amplified that demand, leaving the government little room to stall.
Industry representatives have urged the government to slow the timetable, suggesting that an early-2026 start date would allow operators to prepare compliance systems and soften the impact on advertising revenues. The government, by contrast, has indicated that draft legislation should be introduced before the end of this parliamentary year. That divergence sets up a period of friction between policy objectives and commercial realities.
That debate over timing now sits against evidence of just how extensive gambling promotion already is, with an ACMAÂ report on gambling advertising in Australia, published in late 2023, finding that more than one million ads aired on free-to-air TV and radio in a 12-month period, with the bulk of spending driven by online betting operators. For lawmakers, such figures add urgency to the debate, strengthening the case for legislation that places firm limits on how widely gambling can be promoted.
The final design of the restrictions remains under discussion. A carve-out for racing promotions is still being considered, reflecting the sector’s reliance on betting sponsorships and advertising. At the same time, the government is wary of creating loopholes that undermine the broader purpose of reducing exposure to gambling ads. The coming months will determine whether the legislation advances quickly or follows the slower path industry has recommended, but support for reform appears stronger than ever.