Australia’s federal government and the Coalition have agreed on amendments to strengthen proposed gambling reforms, including a national system allowing people to opt out of wagering advertisements across online services.
The agreement followed negotiations between Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Angus Taylor as the government sought parliamentary approval for its gambling legislation. The revised package adds restrictions on inducement-based marketing and creates a Wagering Advertising Opt-out Register.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) will develop the register, while gambling companies will cover costs linked to its operation and the new inducement restrictions.
New Rules Target Advertising And Inducements
The register will allow individuals to indicate that they do not want wagering advertisements and apply that preference across their online services. People are expected to provide information such as the email address connected to the relevant account.
The system is intended to resemble Australia’s existing “do not call” register. Industry representatives have questioned how a central register could operate across the wide range of online platforms.
The legislation will also prohibit wagering companies from sending inducements during the first 14 days after a customer signs up and for three months after someone deregisters from BetStop. Direct inducements to customers identified as being at risk of gambling harm will also be prohibited. Staff and affiliates will face restrictions on commissions linked to customer activity.
Anika Wells, Minister for Communications and Sport, said: “We have listened to the range of views across the community and the Parliament, which showed us the most toxic version of inducements – and we are taking action to address this.”
Debate Continues Over Advertising Limits
The amended legislation strengthens restrictions affecting children and live sports. Online services must provide prominent opt-out functionality, while advertising restrictions during live sport will begin 15 minutes before games. Certain advertising limits will also begin at 5am rather than 6am.
The government says the changes will reduce children’s exposure to wagering advertising and address predatory inducements. “This package of reforms minimises children’s exposure to wagering advertising, takes action on predatory inducements and cracks down on illegal gambling operators,” Wells said.
A Senate inquiry recommended that the legislation pass after receiving 90 submissions, many calling for stronger measures. Independent ACT senator David Pocock criticised the inquiry’s single recommendation and supported wider restrictions.
Pocock backed recommendations from the Murphy inquiry, which called for a complete gambling advertising ban across media, phased in over three years, an immediate inducement ban and a national online gambling regulator.
Disagreement Remains Over Scope
The amended bill includes a review after three years. Critics argue the measures still leave substantial gambling advertising in place. The proposed television rules allow three gambling advertisements per hour between 5am and 8:30pm, while radio restrictions apply only on school days for two hours.
The Murphy inquiry reached agreement on 31 recommendations addressing gambling harm. Critics say the current package does not fully adopt those proposals.
The government’s deal is expected to allow the legislation to pass with support from both major parties, although opposition to the package remains.
Source:
“Government agrees to ad opt-out register in deal with Coalition to pass gambling reforms”, abc.net.au, August 17, 2026
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