Long-awaited gambling reform bill is an improvement, but does not go nearly far enough to reduce harm

The federal government has landed a deal to pass new legislation to restrict gambling advertising.

The new legislation contains several important measures, but falls far short of what is needed to prevent gambling harm.

The government’s gambling reform bill was a long overdue response to the 2023 Murphy inquiry , which unearthed shocking evidence of harm and predatory practice by the online gambling industry.

Read more: Gambling is causing great harm.

Here’s how to tip the odds back in the community’s favour Australia has historically taken a lax approach to gambling, and it shows.

Gambling is everywhere: on our screens, in our pubs and clubs, and available anytime at our fingertips.

And it’s harmful: one million Australians either suffer from, or live with someone suffering from, severe gambling harm.

Many more lose more than they can really afford.

Gambling normalisation starts young, and advertising is a major culprit .

Gambling advertising exposes large numbers of Australians, including children, to dangerous products, and increases gambling losses, with little corresponding economic or social benefit.

So, what will the new legislation do and why is it not up to the job? What the gambling reform bill does The Interactive Gambling Amendment (Gambling Reform) Bill introduces restrictions on gambling advertising on TV, radio, and online.

There will be a new daytime cap on gambling ads on TV – but the cap still allows three advertisements every hour from 5am to 8:30pm.

The new ban on gambling ads on radio is also weak, applying only on school days and only for two hours on those days.

The restrictions on gambling ads during live coverage of sporting events across all platforms, including online, are a step forward.