Anthony Albanese has announced new restrictions on gambling advertising and online betting in an apparent pivot from the fuel crisis.
Speaking at the National Press Club on Thursday, Albanese outlined the changes, which impose strict limits on when and where gambling advertising can appear.
Under the reforms, free‑to‑air television will be limited to three gambling advertisements an hour between 6am and 8.30pm.
Gambling ads will be completely banned during live sports broadcasts within that time window.
Radio advertising will also face new restrictions, with gambling promotions prohibited during school drop‑off and pick‑up times, between 8am-9am and 3pm-4pm.
Online platforms will be subject to tighter controls.
Gambling advertisements will only be allowed for users who are logged in, verified as over 18 and provided with a clear option to opt out.
Celebrities and sportspeople will also be banned from appearing in gambling ads, along with odds‑style promotions targeted at sports fans.
Anthony Albanese (left) made the announcement during a National Press Club speech
Gambling companies will banned from advertising on sporting team jerseys (pictured)
Gambling branding will also be removed from sporting venues and from jerseys worn by players and officials.
Beyond advertising, the government will crack down on lottery-style games played online, including banning online keno-style games known as ‘pocket pokies’.
The reforms also include stronger enforcement against illegal offshore gambling operators and steps to make match‑fixing offences consistent across the board.
Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek said gambling harm is widespread and deeply damaging.
‘Every Australian knows someone hurt by gambling,’ Plibersek said.
‘Gambling harm doesn’t just hurt individuals, it can have a devastating impact on families and communities.’
She said the reforms are designed to ensure children don’t grow up believing gambling is an integral part of sport.
Plibersek also pointed to growing evidence linking gambling harm to domestic and family violence.
Gambling ads will be banned during live sports broadcasts between 6am and 8:30pm
‘Young men are particularly vulnerable to gambling harm,’ she said.
‘These reforms will put the welfare of young Australians first and play a critical role to help prevent family and domestic violence.’
The changes stem from the Murphy Review, a parliamentary inquiry into gambling reform that made a series of recommendations to government.
As part of the package, the government will expand financial counselling services, increase public awareness of online gambling harm, and continue strengthening BetStop, the national self‑exclusion register, following a recent statutory review.
Legislation to implement the reforms will be drafted this year, with the new rules set to come into effect on January 1, 2027.
Independent MP Kate Chaney, a member of the inquiry, has called on the government to go further.
She called for the establishment of a national gambling regulator.
‘Curbing gambling industry harms will require decisive action from the federal government, including the establishment of a national regulator,’ Chaney said.
‘I stand with the researchers, experts and lived experience advocates who have fought for lasting, meaningful reforms that protect Australians from harm.
‘This proposal doesn’t go nearly far enough to achieving the outcome they deserve, and all Australians expect.’
