Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a raft of gambling advertising reforms on Thursday, but also made it clear his government has its eye on the broader issue of problem gambling, particularly poker machines.
The response to the late Peta Murphy report, which focused primarily on the online bookmaking industry, will see reduced advertising and tighter controls on betting products.
However, Albanese went further at the National Press Club, singling out poker machines, which are prevalent in clubs and pubs but largely untouched by advertising restrictions.
“Some of it is about the Murphy Report, but the Murphy Report isn’t where it started and ended,” Albanese said.
“And when we look at gambling as well, one of the things that I have said to some of the advocates, overwhelmingly, more than half of problem gambling is about poker machines.”
“That’s not covered by any of this at all.”
The majority of problem gambling relates to a product with no traditional advertising, beyond the familiar sounds of machines in clubs and pubs. However, regulation of poker machines remains a state responsibility.
“And so, we will deal with things appropriately,” the Prime Minister continued.
“With regard to a duty of care, we’re considering a duty of care when it comes to online that’s much broader than just this.”
“So, it’s that context of reform is what we’ll be taking forward.”
Poker machines are state-controlled but remain front of mind for the Prime Minister in addressing Australia’s gambling issues.
READ: Analysis: Gambling ad crackdown hits – but it could have been worse
The Murphy inquiry examined online gambling, which has grown significantly with the rise of personal devices. The ‘You Win Some, You Lose More’ report was heavily targeted at wagering service providers and their power and influence, particularly in advertising.
The government has stopped short of the total ban recommended in the Murphy report but will still implement significant changes, including:
- Restricting gambling advertising on broadcast television to no more than three ads per hour between 6am and 8.30pm, with a complete ban during live sport broadcasts within those hours
- Banning gambling ads on radio during school drop-off and pick-up times (8am to 9am and 3pm to 4pm)
- Banning gambling ads on online platforms unless users are logged in, over 18 and able to opt out
- Banning the use of celebrities and sports players in gambling ads, along with odds-style ads targeting sports fans
- Banning gambling ads in sports venues and on players’ and officials’ uniforms
Albanese also flagged a crackdown on online lottery products, describing them as “pocket pokies”.
“The Government is taking decisive action to tackle the community and public health concerns associated with gambling,” he said.
“We’re getting the balance right here, letting adults have a punt if they want to but also making sure Australian children don’t see betting ads everywhere they look.”
“What we don’t want is kids growing up thinking that footy and gambling are the same thing.”
Any reform to poker machines would require cooperation with the states and could involve pushback from community and club groups that rely on gaming revenue.
