Out of Australia comes the news that the government is seriously mulling laws that could seriously limit the number of gambling ads allowed on television. This move comes in a bid to attract votes for new laws that the federal government is attempting to pass on the gambling and media industries Down Under.
Most crucially are the votes held by Senator Nick Xenophon who has pledged his support for new media laws if the government includes a total ban on betting ads. The government is aiming to drop its current Two Out of Three rule which stops media owners from controlling a TV network, radio station and newspaper in the same market.
Over the years, there have been increasing calls by communities and industries – even some companies in the gaming market – to limit the number of gambling ads on Australian TV. Paula Dwyer, speaking for Tabcorp said that there were “legitimate community concerns” over gambling ads on TV in Australia.
Xenophon, one of the most vocal anti-gambling lawmakers in Australia was quoted as saying in an interview: “The saturation of gambling advertising during sporting broadcasts is a major community issue that must be a part of negotiations with the government over media reform.”
Xenophon’s fellow lawmaker, Stirling Griff has remarked it is “outrageous” that there still exists a loophole that bookies are able to entice punters during sporting contests that are regularly seen by minors.
