Australia may consider total ban on gambling ads, national gambling regulator says
Australia A new report prepared by a federal government committee could bring about huge changes to the country’s gambling landscape. Although the report has just been released, the proposed reforms, which include a blanket ban on gambling advertising and the creation of a new gambling regulator, have already caused controversy.
A parliamentary report titled "You win some, you lose more" states that online gambling advertising will be completely banned within three years. This could come with a ban on tempting incentives like instant coupons.
In addition, regulatory regimes may change. Currently, each Australian state and territory has its own gambling laws. However, reports indicate that federal regulators may be more favorable.
Gambling becomes the main enemy
Numerous witness statements were submitted during the extensive nine-month investigation that led to the report. These reveal what the government considers to be the "adverse consequences and social impact" of online gambling. According to Finder.com, the "problem gambling" rate in Australia is less than 1% of the population.
As a result, government officials recommend a staged attack plan. The first phase will begin immediately and include a ban on gambling incentives, including points and bonuses.
The second phase is a complete ban on online gambling advertising and any comments about the odds of winning. The ban will begin one hour before the game and last until one hour after the game ends. This also includes a ban on advertising in stadiums and on player uniforms.
Phase three will ban all "broadcast online gambling" between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. The final phase will see all online gambling advertising and sponsorship removed.
If the Government decides to move forward with the scheme, it will roll out each phase individually, with the aim of implementing all phases within three years.
Small local media stations will not face any restrictions until the end of 2025. The same applies to gambling ads on special racing channels.
The recommendations also include the establishment of a national online gambling regulator and a national online gambling ombudsman. There will also be a federal minister responsible for overseeing responsible gambling.
Mixed reaction
Australia seems increasingly afraid of letting consumers decide how to spend their money. Opponents of gambling believe Australians lose more than A$25 billion ($16.5 billion) each year to gambling.
However, Australian players and bettors spend their money on their favorite form of entertainment and many do not view it as a "loss". The government also says there are 6.8 million gamers in the country, meaning the average spend is just AU$3,676 (US$2,440).
Additionally, the money creates jobs and revenue for states. So does the A$8 billion ($5.31 billion) Australian consumers spend on coffee each year.
The report drew mixed reactions from consumer industries and politicians. Australian Liberal Party leader Peter Dutton believes the proposals are a good idea and hopes the government will implement them as soon as possible.
The Australian Public Health Association agrees. She also hopes the government will respond quickly.
Free Television Australia, an organization representing commercial broadcasters, believes the proposals may go too far. She called it a "knee-jerk" reaction from the government and cited a factor that no one had considered: an advertising ban would mean less revenue and greater restrictions for broadcasters. As a result, they may have to limit their content or make other cuts. Both are negative choices affecting Australian consumers.
IAB Australia, the not-for-profit trade association for the online advertising industry, also believes the proposed changes are a bad move. A statement noted that tools to control advertising, including online advertising, already exist. The government should probably use it like other consumer groups instead of banning it outright.
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Source: www.casino.org
