Government proposes new limits on betting odds promotion during live sport
The government has called for new restrictions on the promotion of gambling during sports coverage – however, the networks would still be allowed to conduct live crosses to representatives of gambling brands and ads would still appear in the main breaks in play.
The announcement came in a joint press release from media minister Stephen Conroy and prime minister Julia Gillard.
Promotion of betting odds during the live coverage of a game would be banned. However, ads could still be aired before and after the match, and during scheduled breaks such as quarter-time and half-time.
The announcement did not spell out whether in sports such as cricket each individual break between overs would count. However, a source close to Stephen Conroy’s office suggested that while the details of this had not been resolved, such an approach would not be seen as “within the spirt” of the proposals.
The most controversial recent aspect of the promotion of gambling, which saw Tom Waterhouse appear alongside Nine sports commentators and near the track during Seven racing coverage would be outlawed. According to the announcement, they “must not appear with the commentary team at any time and must be clearly identified as a gambling representative”. However, it will be still be acceptable to cross to them so long as they are not “at or around the venue”.
The statement said: “The Government will monitor the intensity of generic gambling advertisements within the allowed periods. If it is found to go beyond reasonable levels, the Government will impose a total advertising ban.”
Industry lobby group Free TV claims that it sees the government’s announcement as “unprecedented”. Free TV CEO Julie Flynn said in a statement: “These are unprecedented restrictions for broadcasters but we accept the Government has acted in response to community concern. We recognise that these are difficult issues and will submit a revised code within the next two weeks in line with the Prime Minister’s announcement.”
Tim Burrowes founded Mumbrella in 2008. He worked on Mumbrella until 2021. At various points he was editor, content director and editor-at-large.
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Pleeeaaaasssseeeeee…. can we not give this muppet any more publicity. Please. Basically he’s just using play money from Mummy to feed his small man ego.
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It’s interesting that Waterhouse would have to be the most reviled media “personality” in Australia (if by “personality” you mean bought your way there with your parents’ money) yet his business appears to thrive. If anything it’s an interesting in experiment in the power of negative branding…
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I don’t see what the fuss is all about.
All the people I know who gamble tell me that they’ve never lost.
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Of equal concern to me is Tom Waterhouse’s use of standard activation and winback tactics with their online gambling member base. I signed up for an account just so I could bet on the Melbourne cup. Since then I’ve been offered multiple no-risk bets, credits towards future betting and made “match your bet” offers. All of these are of course the standard tactics any retailer would use to increase engagement and secure share of wallet. OK if it’s persuading me to buy my groceries with one company rather than another, but when it’s online betting, is it ok for Tom Waterhouse to nurture a betting habit I wouldn’t otherwise have had?
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Sorry, but in my opinion, this is all a load or twaddle.
I have a modest shot on the Melbourne cup each year, and every now and then I grab a TattsLotto ticket, apart from that I never ever gamble, and nothing would induce me to do so.
Why is it so? Our Dad always instilled in our minds (my Brother and I) that gambling was a fools game where the stake holders always win. He pointed out families who were poorer than church mice, where the head of the household gambled, he constantly denigrated anyone who was glued to the radio race results and the “best bets” magazine, and he absolutely forbade card games that were played for financial stakes.
Politicians love to be seen to be acting morally and in the interests of the public at large., thus they wax on about moral and social responsibilities whilst often defending themselves against the filthiest accusations of immoral and even illegal conduct.
Parents are largely responsible for educating their children. Banning prostitution or gambling or public advertising of either, will be as effective in prevention, as the electric chair or the noose has been for murder.
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It’s good the Government has taken this step but it doesn’t go far enough or reflect what the community wants. Ban sports gambling advertising in PG times!
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Have followed this debate for some time. I’d like to ask who’s been advising Tom? Who’s is his media strategist or planner ? Who’s his creative agency?…did anyone point out the danger of saturation with limited executions, the high potential to annoy his audience….did they debate the best use of his spend and get over ruled because Tom knows what punters want… or did they just take the cash? Just wondering…
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It doesn’t go far enough.
Quarter time and half time breaks are exactly when people are likely to gamble. During the game you’re absorbed in it. But when there’s a break you get bored. And if all you see is ads goading you to punt, that’s exactly how gamblers will break the boredom.
No advertising of odds should be allowed during games, full stop. Especially during child-friendly time slots.
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