The Australian Senate's Environment and Communications Legislation Committee has endorsed a government initiative aimed at reforming online gambling laws. In its published report, the committee recommended the approval of two significant bills while also urging amendments to enhance provisions designed to mitigate gambling-related harms.
The government’s reform package comprises the Interactive Gambling Amendment (Gambling Reform) Bill 2026, which revises the Interactive Gambling Act 2001, and the National Self-exclusion Register (Cost Recovery Levy) Amendment Bill 2026. The first bill introduces stricter regulations governing online gambling advertising and enhances the responsibilities and enforcement powers of platforms, while the latter seeks to secure funding for a national awareness campaign called BetStop, funded by the wagering industry.
The inquiry into these reforms garnered 97 submissions from a diverse group of participants, including public health experts, gambling harm survivors, media representatives, industry officials, and state government representatives.
This legislative action follows an amendment to the Interactive Gambling Act 2001, proposed by the late MP Peta Murphy in 2023, which aimed to ban gambling advertising entirely. The Murphy report outlined 31 recommended reforms, advocating a comprehensive ban on such advertising. Although the new Interactive Gambling Amendment (Gambling Reform) Bill 2026 does not impose a total ban on gambling advertisements, it does introduce several stringent measures to address harm reduction.
Proposed measures include significant restrictions on advertising: only three ads will be permitted per hour between 6:00 AM and 8:30 PM, and advertisements will be banned during live sports broadcasts at certain times. Additionally, wagering logos will be restricted from venues and influencer promotions, and advertisements during school commuting hours will be prohibited.
Further, online content providers must take "reasonable steps" to ensure that users under 18 do not have access to wagering advertisements unless they have opted out. A new "triple-lock" defence will require log-in verification, age assurance, and an opt-out mechanism. The bill also plans to extend the powers of the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) to block unlicensed offshore gambling sites and enhance penalties for breaches of self-exclusion.
Some online lottery products outside traditional regulated categories will be prohibited, and financial institutions will be permitted to block transactions with illegal online gambling operators.
Despite general support for the bill, the committee raised several concerns highlighted during hearings and written submissions. For instance, despite the time restrictions, many children may still view live sports events and be exposed to wagering advertisements permitted after 8:30 PM. Furthermore, the bill allows platforms to serve wagering ads by default to verified users, necessitating users to opt out. Experts indicated that this approach may inadequately protect vulnerable individuals, including minors and those recovering from gambling addiction.
Additionally, the continuation of existing sponsorship agreements, some lasting until 2031, was flagged by public health advocates, who warned that this could perpetuate harmful exposure to gambling advertising for years. Industry stakeholders defended the timelines, citing contractual commitments.
While the bill refrains from banning sign-up bonuses and promotions like "bet $10 get $50"—despite evidence linking them to increased gambling addiction—technology groups expressed concerns about vague definitions in the bill and emphasized the need for clearer standards subject to less oversight.
Concerns also emerged regarding the ambitious timeline for the bill's introduction set for January 1, 2027, given the technical challenges involved.
Some industry representatives suggested that the tougher regulations for licensed providers might drive consumers towards unregulated offshore alternatives. The bill provides enhanced enforcement tools to counter this risk, though some believe a complete ban on advertising is the only effective way to reduce demand.
Opinions on the proposed advertising restrictions remain divided, with some traditional lottery operators supporting them, while others, including the Northern Territory government, warned of potential harm to legitimate businesses.
Earlier, in October 2024, the Green Party submitted a motion for a total ban on gambling advertisements in the Senate."Such a ban has been recommended repeatedly by experts and has broad public support," the submitted bill stated.
The committee has urged the Senate to approve the bills but suggested amendments to bolster advertising limits and reconsider the online opt-out model, potentially shifting to an opt-in system. The committee also called for a clarification of ambiguous terms, a reduction of transitional grandfathering periods, and an immediate ban on gambling inducements.
In a parliamentary session, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed that the bill will proceed to a third reading after receiving backing from both the Labour and Coalition parties. He characterized the reform as "the most significant gambling advertising reform by any Australian government ever" and highlighted its intent to bolster protections for those at risk of gambling harm while still allowing enjoyment of betting for others.
Yet opposition remains. Responsible Wagering Australia (RWA) criticized the reforms, arguing they push players towards illegal offshore gambling operations. RWA CEO Kai Cantwell pointed out the deficiencies of the opt-out advertising system, which he believes undermines efforts like BetStop. "This new global opt-out system, akin to BetStop, is proposed to be designed, developed and implemented in less than four months. BetStop, which is a simpler concept, took more than four years from inception to implementation," said Cantwell.
The anticipated implementation date for the new laws is January 1, 2027.
