Australia is cancelling a gambling reform that took three years to prepare: what we know

The Australian government is facing political and public pressure over its proposed gambling reform.

Currently, the bill lacks sufficient support from the Coalition, the Greens, or independent senators—without which its passage in the Senate is virtually impossible.

The situation escalated following parliamentary hearings, during which new testimony emerged regarding bookmakers’ practices toward VIP clients with problem gambling behavior.

One of the key witnesses was former NRL player Luke Bateman. He recounted that during his period of addiction, betting companies paid for his trips to horse races in other states and also provided him with alcohol, food, and other “perks.” 

Baitman’s testimony once again drew attention to the issue of special bonuses and incentives for people with gambling problems.

Independent Senator David Pocock stated that the current version of the reform does not address the scale of the problem. In his view, the government should focus on at least three key steps: a phased ban on gambling advertising, a complete ban on promotional offers, and the creation of a single national regulator.

At the same time, the government’s bill provides for significantly milder restrictions. Specifically, the plan is to limit the amount of gambling advertising on television, ban it during certain sports broadcasts, restrict radio advertising during the hours when children are being taken to and from school, and prohibit bookmaker logos in sports arenas and on players’ uniforms.

Critics believe that the proposed rules could have the opposite effect. Streaming television is a particular cause for concern, as gambling advertisements, according to activists, remain significantly less restricted there.

Tim Costello, chairman of the Alliance for Gambling Reform, stated that the reform should first and foremost protect people from harm, rather than create new opportunities for bookmakers to promote their services. He also accused the government of being overly cautious and called for much stricter measures.

Communications and Sports Minister Anika Wells, for her part, emphasized that the government is continuing negotiations with the Coalition and the Greens and is interested in seeing the bill passed.

It remains unclear exactly what changes might secure the necessary support in the Senate. Against the backdrop of this political impasse, there is already discussion that the government might abandon this version of the reform if passing it requires agreeing to more sweeping changes.

The Australian Parliament is set to resume work after the winter recess, and that is when the issue of gambling reform may once again take center stage in political debates.