Gambling Industry Seeks Alternative to Ad Ban

In Australia, the debate over gambling advertisements has become increasingly intense as the federal government considers the introduction of age verification technology to protect minors from sports betting content. While opponents of a blanket ban on gambling ads advocate for this technology, anti-gambling advocates argue that the government is missing a critical opportunity for comprehensive reform, especially in light of a report that recommended a total ban on online gambling advertisements. Tim Costello of the Alliance for Gambling Reform emphasized that current proposals are insufficient, pointing out that Australia has the highest gambling losses globally. The government is expected to finalize its approach after major sports finals, but frustrations are mounting from both anti-gambling advocates and industry representatives. A significant concern is that a third of young adults who gambled in the past year began before turning 18, leading to more severe gambling issues later in life. The government continues to review the 31 recommendations from the online gambling inquiry and has yet to make a definitive response.