Australia’s gambling reform deal looks more possible after Labor agrees to make amendments
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has agreed to include restrictions on gambling inducements.
Australia.- It’s looking more likely that the Australian government will be able to reach a deal with the Coalition to pass proposed gambling reforms through parliament. PM Anthony Albanese and opposition leader Angus Taylor have negotiated amendments focused on betting advertising and inducements designed to encourage customers to continue gambling.
The final details had not yet been announced at the time of writing, but Albanese said the government was seeking “practical amendments” including new measures to reduce children’s exposure to gambling advertising. The current bill would limit betting ads to three per hour between 6am and 8.30pm, while banning gambling advertising during live sport, in stadiums and on players’ jerseys.
The Coalition has pushed for stronger protections on inducements after recent parliamentary hearings heard allegations about the treatment of high-spending gamblers. The Greens continue to call for a complete ban on betting advertising, while gambling industry representatives, meanwhile, have warned that tighter limits could push customers towards offshore operators.
