The Australian Government has introduced a new bill, the Interactive Gambling Amendment Bill 2026, aimed at mitigating gambling harm and curbing advertising. This proposed law will implement stricter regulations on gambling advertisements across television, radio, and online platforms. Notably, it stipulates that no more than three gambling ads can air per hour from 6:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on any day. Furthermore, advertising will be banned during live sports events, and online casino promotions will only be accessible to individuals aged 18 and above.
In addition to these advertising regulations, the bill aims to prevent athletes, celebrities, and influencers from endorsing casinos. It will also prohibit gambling advertisements at sports venues and on team uniforms, as well as the promotion of betting odds.
As part of the government's reform initiatives, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) will be endowed with the power to block illegal gambling websites. This measure will also extend to banking and payment services, allowing them to halt transactions related to illegal gambling.
Additionally, a separate independent bill has been introduced to establish a cost-recovery levy on gambling operators. This levy will fund improvements to the national self-exclusion register known as BetStop.
While the government describes this package of reforms as the most sweeping gambling reform initiative in Australian history, some members of Parliament are advocating for even stricter regulations, including broader advertising bans and more rigorous controls on online gambling advertisements.
