Sunita SomvanshiThe Australian government has pledged to implement a new single-service opt-out register for gambling advertisements, modeled after the successful Do Not Call register for telemarketing spam, as part of amendments to its wagering advertising bill.
Communications Minister Anika Wells has confirmed that gambling companies will face a new levy to fund the register, describing it as a beefed-up measure to curb wagering ads following Senate inquiry findings that consumers struggle to manage individual opt-out options across dozens of online gambling sites. The measure falls short of calls from some MPs, including Labor and Liberal members, for an opt-in model or outright ban on gambling advertising.
The bill’s explanatory memorandum includes provisions to restrict the use of inducements by licensed interactive wagering service providers and prohibit inducement-based direct marketing and social media advertising to certain customers, while also targeting commission-based referral arrangements. Despite the Senate report, government sources remain confident of an imminent agreement with opposition leader Angus Taylor after multiple meetings with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, with Minister Wells introducing a third bill on Monday August 17 setting out additional proposed changes to the legislation.
The initiative aims to address growing concerns about gambling advertising saturation in digital and broadcast media while implementing practical consumer protection measures funded through industry contributions.
