Western Australia to ban live gambling ads
Plans to stop betting odds from being displayed on big screens at sporting venues
The Western Australian government has revealed plans to prohibit big-screen advertisements of live betting odds at sports venues.
The move follows restrictions placed on advertising during television broadcasts in other Australian states, with the South Australian government fast-tracking similar proposals after gaining approval from the Independent Gambling Authority.
Western Australia premier Colin Barnett revealed the planned legislation, which is yet to be drafted, could also be extended to include signs and billboards. Sport and recreation minister Terry Waldron told the Australian Associated Press the state government’s ban “completes the picture” of an overall ban on live betting odds being advertised.
“With the new ban on broadcasting live odds bookmakers will be looking for any other avenue to advertise them “ this legislation closes that window of opportunity,” Waldron said.
Former Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard pledged to enforce a ban on gambling advertising during live sports broadcasts, with a complete ban on the promotion of in-play odds. Under Gillard’s proposals, released prior to her ousting by new Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, other gambling advertising would only be aired during designated periods.
In-play advertising has been a subject of scrutiny in Australia, with a number of Australian media and political bodies supporting such bands. The country’s Green Party published a draft bill in April, and television industry body Free TV Australia proposed changes to the Commercial Television Industry Code of Practice.