Labor pledges opt-out register for online gambling ads as Pocock calls out shortfalls in government’s bill

The new measure falls short of calls for gambling ads to move to an opt-in model, or for an outright ban

The Labor government has pledged a new single-service opt-out register for gambling ads - an idea similar to the Do Not Call register for spam calls - as part of amendments to its wagering ad bill, as well as restrictions on inducements and limiting commissions for agents.

Communications minister Anika Wells has also confirmed gambling companies will face a new levy to pay for the register, a beefed-up measure to curb wagering ads, after concerns were raised through a Senate inquiry that Australians would struggle to find or complete individual opt-out options on each online service.

The measure falls short of calls from some, including Labor and Liberal MPs, for an “opt-in” model for gambling ads, or for a complete ban on online advertising.

The Albanese government’s gambling reforms are expected to proceed quickly through parliament this week, with Labor sources saying they hoped the changes contained in two separate bills would pass both houses before the end of Thursday. A Senate inquiry into the government’s bill will be tabled on Monday afternoon.

Despite Labor’s hopes of passing its gambling legislation this week, the Coalition has not yet publicly committed to supporting the package.

While a further raft of amendments to the bill are likely to outlined tomorrow, Wells on Monday introduced a third bill setting out some changes the government proposes to make to its own legislation.

The bill’s explanatory memorandum says the government’s plans include “restricting the use of inducements by licensed interactive wagering service providers”, as well as plans to prohibit “inducement-based direct marketing and social media advertising to certain customers, restricts attempts to obtain consent to receive such marketing, prohibits certain commission-based referral arrangements”.

“The government has listened carefully to the evidence presented during the recent Senate inquiry and through ongoing stakeholder engagement. We are particularly concerned by evidence about wagering inducements and the role these practices can play in encouraging gambling and exacerbating gambling-related harm,” Wells told parliament in introducing the new bill.

A major change contained in the third bill is a new “Wagering Advertising Opt-out Register”.