Australian Medical Association calls for stronger gambling reform measures
In its submission on Australia’s proposed gambling reform bill, the AMA welcomed several new protections but argued that tougher restrictions on advertising and stronger enforcement powers are needed to better address gambling-related harm.
Australia.- The Australian Medical Association (AMA) has called for stronger measures in the proposed Gambling Reform Bill 2026, arguing that the current draft does not go far enough in regulating online gambling advertising and tackling illegal gambling services.
In a submission to the federal government, the AMA said it supports the overall objectives of the legislation and welcomed several of its proposed reforms. However, the organisation said additional powers and stricter controls are needed to strengthen consumer protections and reduce gambling-related harm.
A key focus of the AMA’s submission is gambling advertising. The association said gambling marketing remains highly visible in sports broadcasts and online environments, increasing exposure among children and young people. It also raised concerns about relying on age verification and platform-based restrictions, saying such measures can be circumvented and may not provide sufficient protection
The AMA also criticised proposed exemptions that would allow wagering advertising during scheduled and unscheduled breaks in overnight live sports coverage. According to the organisation, these exemptions could undermine the effectiveness of the advertising restrictions and continue to expose audiences to gambling promotions.
The association reiterated that gambling advertising should face tighter regulation and said current requirements for advertising to avoid being “harmful or misleading” may be difficult to enforce in practice.
The AMA also supported measures aimed at disrupting illegal gambling services and recommended stronger enforcement powers and penalties for operators that breach the law. It welcomed proposed changes to BetStop, Australia’s national self-exclusion register, saying the reforms could strengthen support for consumers who choose to exclude themselves from licensed wagering services.
The submission backed the proposed prohibition of online keno products and foreign matched lotteries, while stressing the importance of effective enforcement to ensure compliance.
