Australia strengthens gambling ad rules

ACMA is consulting on new rules to restrict gambling advertising during live streamed sports.

Australia.- The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is consulting on new rules to restrict gambling advertising during live streamed sport. According to ACMA Chair Nerida O’Loughlin, until now, rules restricting gambling advertising have applied to broadcasting services only.

“The new online rules will extend community safeguards online, including the banning of gambling ads during live sports streams between 5.00 am and 8.30 pm,” she said. Recent legislative amendments enable the ACMA to make online content service provider rules. Enhanced gambling advertising restrictions for broadcasters have been in effect since March 30th. The new online rules will seek to mirror these restrictions as far as possible and will be settled following consultation, ACMA said.

“The proposed rules will bring together a “safe zone” across traditional and new media platforms, with a particular focus on when children are a part of the audience. They will make it clear to viewers, including parents, when gambling advertising is prohibited and extend other important restrictions into the online environment,” said Ms O’Loughlin.

ACMA also encouraged stakeholder submissions and reminded potentially affected online content service providers to prepare for the implementation of the new rules.