Commercial radio looks to ban gambling ads during live sports coverage
Commercial Radio Australia has begun consultations on draft provisions which could ban advertising gambling during live sporting events from March next year.
The new draft provisions will prevent gambling advertising from running during live sporting events between 5am and 8:30pm, from five minutes before to five minutes after the live event.
It follows the approval of the media reforms bill last month, which included restrictions on gambling advertising during live sporting events.
Outside of the provided hours, gambling advertising will only be allowed during breaks in play, which adds to rules currently prohibiting the promotion of betting odds during live sport events.
Joan Warner, chief executive officer of Commercial Radio Australia said of the proposed changes: “The commercial radio industry continues to monitor and respond to community safeguards and is committed to providing quality radio in line with the Australian listening public’s needs.”
The changes follow scrutiny surrounding gambling advertising across multi-platforms during live sporting events.
This year, a new study by Clarity Strategic Research suggested gambling advertising had “crossed a line”, with betting firm representatives being positioned as equal to sports experts.
According to a release from CRA, the provisions are open for comment until December 15 at 5pm.
