Australia’s federal government has told anti-gambling groups that it wants to ban in-stadium gambling advertising during AFL Aussie rules and NRL rugby league games, according to broadcaster the ABC.
The ban would apply to electronic sideline adverts, with the move reportedly designed to placate government backbenchers who are calling for a more widespread cull of gambling advertising.
Alliance for Gambling Reform chief advocate Tim Costello told the ABC that the ban on in-stadium advertising – whilst being “really necessary” to block “particularly offensive” digital messaging – was insufficient to deal with the growth of problem gambling.
“If you want to protect children you have to have a total ban,” he said. “Every ad influences them to become a gambler.”
Communications Minister Michelle Rowland is also considering a ban on gambling logos appearing on sports kits.
However, any such measures to restrict gambling advertising would reportedly require approval from state and territory governments.
A parliamentary inquiry that was published last year recommended a total ban on gambling ads in the country. However, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been reluctant to endorse such a move.
However, the growing pressure on sports teams and venues to loosen ties with betting companies has already had an impact.
Earlier this year, the NRL’s Cronulla Sharks announced that its stadium naming-rights partner, PointsBet, would not be renewing its long-term partnership at the end of 2024. PointsBet Australia CEO Andrew Catterall said at the time that the collaboration would likely have been renewed had it not been for the shifting perception of gambling signage at stadiums.
Catterall said at the time: “Stadium naming rights and perimeter signage are no longer appropriate for the category.”
