The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has asked the government for more powers to regulate gambling ads after complaints nearly doubled in the 2021-22 financial year. The media regulator said current restrictions are no longer effective in protecting children as their viewing behaviors have changed in recent years.
Gambling Advertising Complaints on the Rise
In the 2021-22 financial year, ACMA received 208 gambling advertising complaints, up from the 120 community concerns or inquiries it recorded in 2020-21. The agency also noted that the number of complaints has increased since 2018, the year when Australia implemented a ban on gambling-related ads on broadcast television during live sports coverage.
Gambling Ads Making Their Way to Social Media
According to ACMA, young people are now becoming increasingly exposed to gambling ads being shown on social media networks and streaming platforms, but these sites are not covered by current regulations regarding gambling advertising. This is something the government must take into account as it examines the effectiveness of existing online gambling rules, the regulator said.
The rising number of complaints is an indication that the community is not satisfied with the existing rules, ACMA said, adding that it must be granted more powers to regulate gambling ads on sites like Facebook, YouTube, Google, and Twitch to ensure better protection for children and the vulnerable.
