The government of Victoria, Australia will take public opinion and proposals for the next month regarding how to restrict advertising for sports betting on public transportation, including trains, trams, buses and stations, and in areas close to schools and train stations. Following the public comment period, legislation likely will be introduced to Parliament next year.
Marlene Kairouz, minister for Consumer Affairs, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, said the government is concerned that the prevalence of gambling ads “normalizes” it. “What we’re wanting to do is ensure children are no longer exposed to betting advertisements while they go to and from school each day. This is supported by community concerns about the impact of gambling advertising, in particular because it normalizes gambling amongst our most vulnerable, including children,” Kairouz said.
A recent Deakin University study found that 75 per cent of eight-to-16-year-olds considered gambling a “normal or common part of sport,” due to ads occurring during play. In addition, three-quarters of eight-to-16-year-olds could name one gambling company, and 25 per cent could name four or more bookies. “We now have clear evidence that gambling ads are having an impact on children and that government must act. Gambling is not an integral part of sport. Kids should be talking about their favorite sporting teams, not the odds of that team winning,” Kairouz said.
She noted the campaign against gambling ads will not affect gambling advertising contracts that already have been signed. Also, the reforms do not include advertising at sports arenas or broadcast on TV or radio.
On the federal level, Senator Nick Xenophon and Tasmanian independent Andrew Wilkie, along with the Alliance for Gambling Reform, have called for a ban on sports betting advertising on TV during broadcasts.
“There is absolutely no question that sports betting advertising has become prevalent and more noticeable. These reforms are an important first step to limit the community’s exposure to betting advertising, especially in places where people spend a lot of time and find hard to avoid. The Andrews Labor government is leading the nation, targeting insidious wagering ads which encourage Victorians most at risk to gamble,” Kairouz stated.
