The Albanese government is prepared to tighten rules on gambling inducements, but is less likely to alter advertising regulations, as negotiations continue on wagering legislation. The legislation has so far lacked the necessary support to pass parliament.
Federal Labor is open to considering amendments from the Coalition when MPs return to Canberra this week, according to sources. The government is prepared to make changes around wagering inducements, a focus of recent parliamentary hearings, but is less open to adjusting proposed rules on the frequency of TV and online advertisements.
Upper house hearings have heard allegations that wagering companies provided illegal drugs and access to sex workers to encourage continued betting. Betting companies Sportsbet and Tabcorp state there is no evidence to substantiate these claims.
Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young stated on Sunday that she would support switching the proposed “opt-out” model for online advertising to “opt-in”. The Coalition, crossbenchers, and the Greens have opposed Labor’s reforms as proposed by Communications Minister Anika Wells, indicating the legislation is unlikely to pass in its current form.