Australian Health Leaders Criticise New Gambling Reforms

Health leaders in South Australia have criticised Australia’s newly announced national gambling reforms, arguing the measures fail to go far enough to protect vulnerable consumers and reduce gambling-related harm.

The federal government this week unveiled a package of gambling advertising reforms that includes limits on broadcast advertising, bans on wagering promotions during live sports broadcasts, and restrictions on betting ads in sports venues and on player uniforms.

Health experts say reforms leave major gaps

South Australian public health and gambling harm advocates say the measures do not adequately address the scale of gambling-related harm across Australia.

Critics have focused particularly on the absence of a full gambling advertising ban, arguing that children and young adults will continue to face significant exposure through television, digital channels, and sports-related content.

Medical leaders also raised concerns that the reforms do not include plans for a national independent gambling regulator, which many harm-reduction advocates had supported.

New restrictions target gambling advertising

Under the announced reforms, gambling advertising on broadcast television will be capped at three advertisements per hour per channel.

Advertising during live sports broadcasts will be banned between 6am and 8:30pm, while wagering promotions will also be removed from sports venues and official player uniforms.

The government has also introduced new opt-out protections for online gambling promotions and measures aimed at reducing the visibility of wagering advertising.

The reforms are scheduled to come into effect on 1 January 2027.

Gambling harm remains a public health concern

Health leaders in South Australia say gambling harm continues to place pressure on financial counselling, domestic violence support, and mental health services.

The criticism reflects a wider public health view that gambling harm extends beyond individual players, affecting families, relationships, and broader communities.

While the federal government says the reforms strike the right balance between consumer protection and industry regulation, critics argue stronger intervention is still needed. Regulatory scrutiny in Australia has already been intensifying across multiple fronts, as we recently reported when AI use in Australian gambling sparked fresh regulatory focus.

Health leaders in South Australia argue that partial reforms will do little to address the broader public health impact of gambling harm, which continues to affect individuals, families, and communities across Australia.

Gambling reform pressure likely to continue

The backlash highlights growing pressure on Australia’s federal government to take a stronger approach to gambling reform.

South Australia has been particularly active in framing gambling harm as a public health issue rather than solely a personal responsibility matter, making the criticism from local health leaders especially notable.

For operators, the reforms still point to increased regulatory scrutiny, even if some advocates believe the government has missed an opportunity for more meaningful change.

Debate over the future of gambling advertising and consumer protections is likely to continue as campaigners push for stronger implementation of the Murphy inquiry’s original recommendations.