Australia Passes Tough New Gambling Advertising Restrictions

Australia has approved some of its toughest gambling advertising restrictions to date, with Parliament passing the Interactive Gambling Amendment (Gambling Reform) Bill 2026.

The legislation introduces new controls covering television, radio, online advertising and sporting events. It follows years of debate over the level of gambling advertising Australians are exposed to, particularly around professional sport.

The reforms stop short of the complete gambling advertising ban recommended by a parliamentary inquiry in 2023. Instead, the government has introduced targeted restrictions designed to reduce exposure while allowing licensed wagering operators to continue advertising under tighter rules.

Betting Ads Restricted During Live Sport

One of the biggest changes concerns gambling advertising around live sporting events.

Wagering advertisements will be prohibited during live sports coverage on television and online services between 5am and 8.30pm. The blackout begins 15 minutes before an event starts and continues until five minutes after it finishes.

Betting companies will also be prevented from advertising inside sporting venues or placing wagering promotions on the uniforms of players and officials. The broadcasting of sporting odds will also be prohibited.

What Australia's New Gambling Advertising Rules Change 

Australians Can Opt Out of Gambling Ads

Another significant part of the reform is the creation of a national Wagering Advertising Opt-out Register.

The register will give Australians a central way to opt out of receiving wagering advertisements online. The Australian Communications and Media Authority will oversee the system, with its costs recovered from the wagering industry through a new levy.

Online platforms will also face stricter requirements aimed at preventing gambling promotions from being directed towards children and people who have opted out.

Celebrity and Influencer Betting Promotions Banned

Athletes, celebrities and social media influencers will no longer be permitted to promote wagering services.

The reforms also target certain commission-based referral arrangements and inducement marketing. Direct marketing of wagering inducements will be restricted for new customers and people returning after leaving Australia's BetStop self-exclusion register.

Additional protections will apply to customers identified as being at risk of gambling-related harm.

Government Rejects Calls for Complete Advertising Ban

The reforms have not satisfied everyone.

A 2023 parliamentary inquiry recommended a comprehensive ban on online gambling advertising phased in over three years. The government has instead chosen a model that heavily restricts wagering advertising without removing it altogether.

Some independent and Greens politicians argue the measures do not go far enough, while the wagering industry has warned that excessive restrictions on licensed operators could make it harder for consumers to distinguish them from illegal offshore gambling sites.

The new restrictions are expected to begin from 1 January 2027, giving wagering operators, broadcasters and online platforms time to prepare.