Aussie broadcasters slam plans to outlaw in-game betting adverts
Australia’s leading broadcasters have slammed attempts by the government to ban advertising of betting odds and commercials during live sporting broadcasts.
The government is trying to tighten rules around interactive gambling following recommendations made in the 2015 Review of Illegal Offshore Wagering.
Initial proposals said that gambling advertisements on television and radio would still be allowed, but the ruling Labor administration has now introduced an amendment that would outlaw them during live sports broadcasts.
“The House calls on the Government to work with the broadcasting industry and national sporting organisations on a transition plan to phase out the promotion of betting odds and commercials relating to betting or gambling before and during live sporting broadcasts, with a view to their prohibition,” read the amendment introduced by acting opposition Communications spokesman Mark Dreyfus and Labor spokesperson for gambling Julie Collins.
Dreyfus said current restrictions should be extended to ensure there is no promotion of betting odds or gambling advertising at all in the 30 minutes before play and to ensure there is no gambling advertising at all during scheduled breaks.
The free-to-air television lobby group Free TV — which represents Nine, the Seven Network, Ten, Southern Cross Austereo and Prime Television — said the amendments are both “unwarranted” and “unnecessary”.
“Commercial broadcasters already have the most comprehensive, targeted set of restrictions on the promotion of betting services of any media platform in Australia,” said Free TV chief executive Brett Savill.
“Introducing new restrictions which single-out free to air television — which continues to be the most heavily regulated media platform in Australia — is entirely unnecessary,” the lobby group said.
“In fact, doing so would risk regulatory bypass and put commercial free to air broadcasters at a competitive disadvantage compared to other media platforms, while failing to achieve the policy intent.”
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