Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is preparing changes to gambling inducements as the federal government seeks Coalition support for its long-delayed gambling advertising reforms.
With Parliament returning after its five-week winter recess, Albanese has been negotiatingwith Opposition Leader Angus Taylor. The talks could produce amendments designed to secure enough Senate support for the government’s proposal, which has faced opposition from both the Coalition and Greens.
Albanese has indicated that the government could take further action against inducements, potentially helping secure Coalition backing for the broader reforms.
Inducements Become Central To Negotiations
The government is expected to consider tighter controls on incentives offered to gamblers, including free bets and wagering credits. A parliamentary inquiry had recommended banning gambling inducements.
Pressure increased after evidence presented to a Senate inquiry raised allegations about practices used by major sports-betting companies. The inquiry heard allegations that inducements offered to problem gamblers had included drugs, escorts, travel, accommodation and payments worth thousands of dollars per week.
The issue has also created pressure within Labor. The government’s legislation proposes restrictions on gambling promotion across television, sport and digital media, although it falls short of the nationwide advertising ban recommended by a 2023 parliamentary inquiry led by the late Labor MP Peta Murphy.
The proposed framework would limit television gambling advertisements to three per hour between 6am and 8:30pm and prohibit gambling commercials during live sports broadcasts within those hours. It would also restrict advertising inside stadiums, remove betting logos from players’ jerseys and prevent athletes and social media influencers from promoting gambling products.
Coalition Talks Could Shape The Legislation
Albanese’s discussions with Taylor form part of broader negotiations over several measures. The government is also seeking agreement on a proposed tax requiring major technology platforms to contribute to Australian news publishers for content, alongside changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
The gambling negotiations matter because the government needs additional Senate support. The Coalition and Greens have both indicated dissatisfaction with the current proposal, making amendments and cross-party negotiations important to its passage.
Australia has progressively tightened gambling advertising rules since 2018, when restrictions on betting promotions during live sporting events were introduced. The latest proposal would extend controls to digital advertising, sponsorship and other promotional activity.
Labor Presses For Stronger Regulation
The negotiations follow renewed Labor support for a national gambling regulator. Delegates at the party’s national conference backed stronger regulatory powers, annual reporting requirements for national regulators and greater protections against online gambling inducements.
Labor also agreed to explore measures addressing gambling-like features in online games and social media that could expose children to such content.
Australia does not currently have a single national gambling regulator. States and territories oversee most gambling activities, while the federal government regulates online gambling through the Interactive Gambling Act.
The final legislation will depend on negotiations between Labor and the Coalition, with restrictions on gambling inducements emerging as a key issue in efforts to secure Senate support.
Source:
“Federal politics: PM flags action on inducements to win Coalition support for gambling laws — as it happened”, abc.net.au, August 10, 2026
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