Australia's major political parties have struck a deal to pass new restrictions on betting advertising and inducements. The bill, supported by Labor and the Coalition, is set to pass on Thursday.
The reforms include amendments such as tweaks to ad timing rules and some restrictions on inducements. A one-stop "opt-out register" will be established, allowing Australians to choose not to receive gambling advertisements. Inducements will be limited in specific circumstances, including for customers identified as at risk of gambling-related harm, for 14 days after signing up for a wagering service, and for three months after deregistering from Betstop.
Other changes include extending the blackout period for ads before live sport from five to 15 minutes, starting the three-per-hour TV ad restriction at 5 am instead of 6 am, and restricting advertising during children's programming. Commissions on customer losses for gambling staff or affiliates will also be banned.
Two Coalition MPs, Andrew Wallace and Pat Conaghan, crossed the floor to vote against some amendments, stating the reforms are too "weak" and place "too much faith in the hands of the gambling companies." The Greens described the agreement as "cowardly and careless."