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Government Leader in Australia Issues Caution on Complete Advertisement Prohibition

Australia experiences high levels of gambling, leading to numerous demands for limiting its accessibility. However, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has stated that no imminent measures are being implemented to tighten regulations on gambling advertisements, including a complete...

Government Leader in Australia Issues Caution on Enforcing Total Advertising Prohibition
Government Leader in Australia Issues Caution on Enforcing Total Advertising Prohibition

Government Leader in Australia Issues Caution on Complete Advertisement Prohibition

The Australian government is taking significant steps to address specific sources of gambling harm within the country. The primary concern is ensuring that players do not find themselves cut off from the regulated market or being spirited away to offshore markets, where regulations may be lax and potential harm could be increased.

In this regard, the government is looking towards countries like Italy and the Netherlands, which have imposed some of the tightest controls on their gambling markets. These jurisdictions serve as examples of effective regulation that prioritises the protection of individuals from gambling-related harm.

One of the key contributors to gambling harm in Australia is identified as poker machines. Consequently, the government is focusing its efforts on regulating these machines to minimise their impact on vulnerable individuals.

Another aspect of the government's strategy involves addressing gambling advertisements, which have been linked to gambling harm in several major jurisdictions around the world. In an effort to reduce the impact of gambling ads on addiction, the Australian government has implemented measures such as restricting gambling advertising during live sports broadcasts. Further discussions are underway to tighten regulations on the timing, content, and placement of gambling advertisements to better protect vulnerable individuals from gambling-related harm.

The ultimate goal of these measures is to ensure that players remain within the regulated market, where they are better protected from potential harm. By taking a proactive approach to gambling regulations, the Australian government aims to strike a balance between maintaining a vibrant gambling industry and safeguarding the well-being of its citizens.

It is worth noting that few jurisdictions have enacted a complete ban on gambling ads, citing similar fears about the potential harm that could result from the absence of regulation. This approach underscores the importance of careful and considered regulation in the gambling industry, as it seeks to balance the needs of consumers and the industry alike.

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