FREE-TO-AIR TV strikes back against proposed gambling ad ban

Calls for a three-year phased ban on all gambling advertising during sports events have been made to the federal government, as Australia tackles a crisis impacting the financial and mental health of many of its citizens.

The recommendations are the result of a parliamentary inquiry into the damage wrought by online gambling, which has culminated in 31 proposals on industry regulation and addiction support.

The proposed ban targets advertisements that direct viewers to betting websites and apps. There is a concern that children are regularly exposed to these ads, forming a dangerous early association between sports and betting. Along with the ban, the committee, chaired by Labor MP Peta Murphy, has called for increased federal regulation of the sector.

“People are not happy — they feel they’re swamped with advertising and are very worried that children are repeatedly exposed to sports betting ads,”

Ms. Murphy stated.

“We are possibly creating another generation of Australians who view sport and betting as inherently linked.”

Australia is one of the world’s biggest gambling nations. Despite previous regulatory efforts, the problem persists. At present, gambling ads cannot be broadcast within 5 minutes of the start or end of a sports event, with some exceptions.

For instance, during breaks in long-form events like cricket or tennis, ads are permitted after 8:30pm. Betting companies may also promote betting odds during these times, provided they are not at the event location and are clearly not part of the event commentary team.

However, the industry lobby group Free TV, in response to the recommendations, warned of the potential negative impacts on commercial television services. Bridget Fair, Free TV CEO, said the proposed ban was based on a “fundamentally flawed premise” and reductions in advertising revenue could result in less funding for Australian content.

“While we appreciate that there are concerns in the community regarding the volume of gambling ads, kneejerk moves to implement outright bans will ultimately hurt viewers and the television services they love.

“These services are available to every Australian no matter where they live or how much they earn and they are only possible because of advertising revenue. 

“Commercial television spends more than $1.5 billion on Australian content every year, providing Australian audiences with more than 25,000 hours of free local trusted news, Australian drama and entertainment, vital coverage of national emergencies and live and free sport year in, year out. 

“Many of the sports broadcasting deals have been agreed to beyond the three year phase out period for advertising. 

“The Government has quite rightly said that it will take its time to consider the committee’s report before responding. Now is the time for a considered response to this important issue.

“Our industry is ready to work constructively with the Government on measures that would reduce the amount of gambling advertising on television and other platforms, while ensuring that the industry can continue to deliver high quality content to all Australians.

“Measures like frequency caps would be a better and more targeted approach to respond to any community concern around volume of advertising.

“This would build on the current restrictions on gambling advertising, including the existing ban on gambling advertising in live sport before 8.30pm and strict limits in sport after that time.

“Any further restrictions on gambling advertising must be offset by reductions in the regulatory burdens on commercial broadcasters. In particular, removing spectrum fees which are completely out-of-step with other countries that have already abolished such fees decades ago.”