Australia Releases Draft Online Gambling Reform Bill, Stopping Short of Full Ad Ban

Australia has released draft legislation for an online gambling reform package that would tighten wagering advertising rules from January 2027, while stopping short of the full ad ban recommended by the Murphy inquiry.

The reforms, first announced on 2 April 2026, would amend the Interactive Gambling Act and apply new restrictions across broadcast, digital and sports advertising. According to government materials, the aim is to reduce gambling harm, especially among children and vulnerable Australians.

Television wagering ads would be limited to three per hour per channel between 6:00am and 8:30pm, with a full ban during live sport broadcasts in that window. Radio ads would also be prohibited during school drop-off and pick-up periods, from 8:00am to 9:00am and 3:00pm to 4:00pm.

Online platforms would only be allowed to show wagering ads to users who are logged in, over 18 and able to opt out. Gambling advertising would also be removed from sports venues and from players’ and officials’ uniforms.

The package goes beyond advertising. It would strengthen BetStop, Australia’s National Self-Exclusion Register, expand financial counselling services and fund public awareness work on online gambling harm.

The bill also targets illegal offshore gambling through stronger Australian Communications and Media Authority enforcement, cooperation with financial institutions to disrupt payments to unlawful operators, and wider website-blocking powers.

The government is also seeking to ban online keno and review foreign-matched lotteries and so-called shadow lottery products, which can sit outside existing consumer protection rules.

The package follows the parliamentary inquiry into online gambling led by the late Labor MP Peta Murphy. That inquiry called for broader reforms, including a comprehensive ban on online gambling advertising and a national online gambling regulator.

Public health and gambling-harm advocates have criticised the government’s approach as too limited. The Australian Medical Association has criticised the package as too limited, arguing that partial restrictions will not adequately protect children and vulnerable people.

The measures are expected to begin on 1 January 2027, subject to the legislative process. Wagering operators, broadcasters, sports bodies and online platforms are still waiting for final compliance details.