Gambling ad ban opponents demand alternatives, warning of ‘significant’ impacts
An outright ban on gambling ads would have “significant negative impacts” on the advertising and media industries, groups have warned.
Shockwaves continue to be felt from a bombshell report handed down yesterday by a parliamentary inquiry into online gambling and its community harms.
Among its 31 sweeping recommendations was one calling for gambling ads to be banned within three years. Such a reform could cost media operators $300 million a year in lost revenue.
Gai Le Roy, chief executive of the Interactive Advertising Bureau, expressed concern about a proposed outright ban, describing it as “not a proportionate response”.
“We recognise there is community concern in relation to ‘saturation’ gambling advertising which needs to be addressed and we are willing to work constructively with the government to make that happen,” Le Roy said.
“There are a range of tools available to manage the delivery of ads online and we would urge the government to give further thought to how these can best be utilised to reduce the volume of gambling advertising.”
Le Roy warned that restrictions on advertising in the current economic climate would “affect the industry’s ability to support the delivery of freely available content and services online”.
“Outright bans will have a significant negative impact across the market,” she said.
What do you think about the proposed ban on gambling advertising? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
It is a warning echoed by Free TV Australia – the lobby group for Seven, Nine and Ten – which said an ad ban would lead to a drop in spend on Australian content. Commercial Radio and Audio also warned of content investment consequences stemming from significant revenue losses.
The Australian Association of National Advertisers said it acknowledged growing community concern about gambling ads.
In a statement, a spokesperson said: “AANA will continue to work with the government, industry and other stakeholders to ensure the advertising self-regulatory system is responsive to community concerns and encourages responsible advertising.
“That is why we are undertaking a public review of the Wagering Code to ensure minimum standards for gambling advertising aligns with community expectations and best practice.”
Responsible Wagering Australia, the industry group for gambling operators, said a blanket ban on advertising is “a step too far”.
The group’s chief executive Kai Cantwell said there are more effective ways to meet community expectations, including a cap on the number of ads that can be shown.
“By doing this, the expectations of the community to see less advertising would be met, while also maintaining the crucial support to sporting codes and local broadcasters,” Cantwell said.
“RWA members, along with broadcasters and major sporting codes have publicly acknowledged that there is a growing desire in the community to see less gambling advertising.
“However, blanket bans – even in a phased roll out – are short sighted, ineffective and are not the answer.”
Barni Evans, boss of major gambling operator Sportsbet, said he supports a significant reduction in the number of ads rather than a complete ban.
“It is important that any changes in regulation recognise that gambling is a lawful form of entertainment enjoyed responsibly by millions of Australians,” Evans said.
“We will continue to work constructively with the Government and all parties to encourage evidence-based solutions that are effective.”
The government has said it will review the inquiry’s report and consider its recommendations in consultation with stakeholders.
“We recognise there is community concern in relation to ‘saturation’ gambling advertising which needs to be addressed and we are willing to work constructively with the government to make that happen”
We lean on & celebrate self-regulation, recognise there is an issue, yet haven’t acted is a weird way for industry bodies & gambling brands to respond.
User ID not verified.
I used to work in advertising and love a cheeky punt – but I’m sorry, we need to think of the thousands of Australian families effected by problem gambling before the poor old media companies
User ID not verified.
All the talk of “purpose” is a total sham when the industry whines about continuing to pump out the misery-inducing gambling ads.
Australians are the biggest losers: losing more per head to gambling than any other country in the world.
Find your moral compass people.
User ID not verified.
So what..
Problem gambling is a huge issue particularly for young males.
Perhaps shift your focus to making ads that don’t amplify the propensity for highly addictive and financially devastating behaviour.
User ID not verified.
> Recent estimates suggest that Australians lose approximately $25 billion on legal forms of gambling every year, representing the largest per capita losses in the world (Queensland Government Statistician’s Office [QGSO], 2021).
$300m is but a drop in the bucket for media agencies compared to the cost gambling has on the lives of many.
We’re at the point where children can’t discuss sports without making reference to their betting odds.
In a disgusting display of hubris, we have bookies employing influential spokespeople who have a public and (self) destructive history of gambling addiction (Here’s looking at you Brendan Fevola).
Much like the ban on cigarette advertising, this should be celebrated as a net positive for society
User ID not verified.
Those who shout loudest about their innovation are the same who squeal most for retaining the status quo.
User ID not verified.
hmmm the sky didnt fall in and the sun came up the next day when cigarette advertising was banned. all those vested interest lobbyists are so disengenuous when saying there will be millions of dollars lost in advertising revenue. bollocks there will be an uptake instantly to fill the gap and if not it shows what a flawed business plan these newspapers, broadcasters operat when, by losing one advertising stream their empire will colapse an hundreds will be out of work. its about time this scurge on society is removed, totally, forever
User ID not verified.
And the sky was going to fall when cigarette advertising got banned too. The industry (and sporting codes) should not be relying on ad revenue from unhealthy, unsafe and unnecessary products which have been shown to cause significant harm to young and old..
User ID not verified.
Have your say