Sports betting advertising ban proposed in Australia

Australia’s Greens Party has called for a ban on gambling advertising during televised sport matches along with the reference of bookmakers’ odds by match commentators during live games.

Senator Richard Di Natale has drafted legislation which would prohibit the advertisement or mention of betting odds during sports broadcasts. The politician will also present the Australian Parliament with a petition, which was published on the party’s website on 20 March.

The petition states gambling advertisements could influence children and argues “the loophole allowing the advertising of gambling services in children’s viewing hours” should be closed, although it is unclear how many people have signed it.

There is a risk children “don’t know when the gambling stops and the football starts”, said Di Natale on Australian television channel ABC. “The two things have become entangled, and I think that’s a pretty dangerous place to be,” he added.

A review of Australia’s egaming laws was published last month outlining recommendations regarding stricter consumer protection, education and advertising guidelines.

William Hill CEO Ralph Topping later challenged Australia’s prohibition of in-play betting, arguing customers will choose unlicensed offshore operators instead. Hills completed its acquisition of Sportingbet’s Australian business in March, having withdrawn its own brand from the market last year.