Gambling ad ban

In Australia, there is a growing push for a total ban on gambling advertisements, sparked by a 2023 parliamentary review recommending such measures. An open letter signed by over 60 prominent figures, including former Prime Ministers, urges the government to follow through with recommendations aimed at curbing gambling ads, especially those targeting children. The Albanese government is reportedly planning to impose limits on gambling ads rather than a complete ban, despite opposition from some lawmakers and health experts who argue that any partial measures will not effectively protect vulnerable populations. The Greens party is set to propose an amendment for a total ban in the Senate, emphasizing that gambling companies exploit the public and target children. Critics of the industry, including health professionals, highlight the detrimental impact of pervasive gambling advertising on Australian society, which already experiences the highest per capita gambling losses globally. As the debate unfolds, the government faces pressure to reconcile public health concerns with the financial implications for the media industry reliant on gambling ad revenue.