Gambling Advertising in Australia: Possible Changes Ahead

Recently, there have been increasing calls for, and policy proposals aimed at, limiting the advertising of gambling on television and other media platforms in Australia. These proposals (discussed further below) have included a phased prohibition on the advertising of licensed interactive wagering services (e.g. sports betting) across broadcast and online platforms. However, at this stage, there are no formal plans to implement a nationwide advertising ban.  Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has confirmed that the Government’s current approach focuses on harm minimisation without resorting to sweeping prohibitions that could inadvertently drive consumers toward unregulated offshore gambling operators.

 

Calls for a Gambling Advertising Ban in Australia

In 2024 and 2025, there has been significant focus on the gambling of advertising services by legislators and regulators. The Interactive Gambling Amendment (Ban Gambling Ads) Bill 2024 (Bill) was introduced in the Australian Parliament with a view to implementing a comprehensive ban on advertising licensed interactive wagering services. The Bill remains under consideration at this stage, however, if passed, it would represent a significant shift in the regulatory landscape for gambling advertising in Australia. Key changes proposed by the Bill include the introduction of phased bans on the advertising of online gambling services, leading to a comprehensive prohibition by the end of three years from the Bill’s commencement. The comprehensive ban is proposed to apply to the advertising of all forms of online gambling (including sports betting) across broadcast, digital, and other media platforms, as well as advertising at sporting events and sponsorship of sporting teams.

Against this backdrop, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has addressed these calls for a nationwide ban on the advertising of online gambling. He confirmed that the Government is not currently pursuing a blanket prohibition and emphasised that any future policy decisions will follow due legislative process.

The Prime Minister further clarified that the Government’s regulatory focus is on reducing harm associated with high-risk gambling products - particularly poker machines. Australia’s approach to gambling advertising regulation aligns with a broader policy objective: to minimise gambling-related harm through enforceable, targeted measures. This includes avoiding interventions, such as blanket advertising bans, that could unintentionally encourage consumers to engage with online gambling platforms operating outside Australia’s legal and taxation frameworks.

 

Gambling Regulation in Australia

Australia’s regulatory framework for online gambling is multi-tiered: the Federal Government sets the overarching legal structure, while licensing responsibilities largely rest with individual states and territories. As a result, compliance obligations vary depending on both the jurisdiction and the type of gambling service offered.

At the federal level, Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (Cth) (IGA) serves as Australia’s primary legislation for online gambling services and the advertising and promotion of such services. The IGA prohibits certain forms of interactive gambling services (such as electronic casino games) and imposes strict advertising controls, including a ban on any written, visual, or audio material intended to market these services. In addition, the Internet Industry Interactive Gambling Industry Code (2001) sets obligations for internet service providers in relation to illegal gambling content (including content hosted outside Australia).

At the state and territory level, each jurisdiction has its own legislation covering additional aspects of gambling, including licensing of land-based gambling and online gambling, and, in some cases, rules for  gambling advertising.

Restrictions on online gambling and betting are tightly regulated under federal and state laws. For instance, in New South Wales, publishing prohibited gambling advertising can attract penalties of up to AUD110,000 for corporations and AUD11,000 for individuals.

In 2025, regulatory oversight of digital gambling environments has continued to evolve in Australia. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) released its final report in the Digital Platform Services Inquiry on 23 June 2025, marking the first time online gaming has been examined through the lens of Australian consumer law. This signals a potential expansion of regulatory scrutiny into gambling-like features embedded in digital platforms. Meanwhile, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) continues to enforce the IGA, directing internet service providers to block access to hundreds of unlicensed gambling websites. These actions reflect a broader regulatory trend toward tightening controls on both domestic and offshore gambling operators, with increasing attention on digital environments and consumer protection.

  

Conclusion

Regulatory changes relating to  online gambling continue to be a focal point of public debate. Looking ahead to 2026, operators should expect continued regulatory reform, increased enforcement, and a greater focus on responsible gambling and anti-money laundering compliance.

On a similar topic, you can access DLA Piper’s Gambling Laws of the World guide.