Australian Labor Party's Sports Gambling Ads Reform Bill Delayed by Senate Inquiry

The Albanese government introduced a sports gambling advertising reform bill to the House of Representatives three years after a committee report recommended a full ban. The proposed legislation limits television gambling ads to after 8:30 pm, bans radio ads during school pick‑up times and restricts online promotion to audiences under 18.

The Senate has referred the bill to an eight‑week inquiry, delaying its passage. The government still requires backing from the Coalition and the Greens, and critics—including Labor MPs, Greens spokesperson Sarah Hanson‑Young and independent members such as Andrew Wilkie—argue the measures do not go far enough and call for stronger protections.

The controversy was highlighted at Canberra’s Midwinter Ball, where several senior politicians, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Finance Minister Katy Gallagher, accepted hospitality from betting firm Sportsbet and sat alongside gambling lobby chief Kai Cantwell. The event underscored concerns about industry influence on the reform process.