Australia tightens gambling laws: Ad bans and stronger measures against offshore operators

The Australian government has introduced the Interactive Gambling Amendment (Gambling Reform) Bill 2026 to parliament, proposing far-reaching reforms in online gambling. The aim is to get a stronger grip on online betting providers and especially illegal offshore sites. However, the planned changes have been met with mixed reactions and criticism from various sides of the political spectrum.

The amendment includes, among other things, restrictions on gambling advertising, a ban on online keno and foreign matched lotteries, and sharper tools against illegal providers. These efforts follow years of pressure and public debate about the impact of gambling on the population.

Numbers and facts

Australia is reported to have the highest per capita gambling losses in the world. In the 2023-24 financial year, Australians lost over AU$32 billion (approximately US$21 million) through legal forms of gambling, averaging around AU$1,521 per adult. Estimates from the Australian Institute of Family Studies in 2024 indicate that about 15 percent of adults are affected by or at risk of gambling-related harm. Academic studies also suggest that each problem gambler can negatively impact up to six other people.

The bill bans wagering advertising during live sports broadcasts and tightens general advertising rules on TV, radio, and online. From January 1, 2027, TV advertising by wagering agencies will be capped at three ads per hour between 6 AM and 8:30 PM, and completely banned during live sports within those hours. Radio advertising will be prohibited during school pick-up and drop-off times (8-9 AM and 3-4 PM). Celebrities and sports players will also not be allowed to appear in gambling advertising. Online gambling advertising will be banned on platforms unless users are over 18, logged in, and have an opt-out option. Additionally, advertising in sports venues and on team uniforms will be prohibited.

Background

The legislation is a direct response to the report by the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs, titled “You win some, you lose more.” This report was based on 161 submissions, 26 exhibits, and 13 public hearings. One of the main demands of the Murphy Inquiry was a more comprehensive reform of online gambling.

Critics in parliament, including Sarah Henderson, communications spokeswoman for the opposition, call for closer scrutiny through a Senate inquiry. She argues that parliament should focus on stronger measures to reduce gambling harm rather than a narrow package. Liberal MP Simon Kennedy described the bill as a concession to industry pressure. He believes the regulations do not go far enough on advertising limits, inducements, and child protection.

Indirectly, the law also strengthens BetStop, Australia's national self-exclusion register. This allows players to exclude themselves from licensed online wagering services. The government has pledged to improve BetStop's usability and fund the regulatory authority ACMA's promotional efforts. A package of AU$112.7 million over five years from 2025-26 has been allocated to fund gambling harm prevention.

The gambling industry itself reacts critically to the plans. Kai Cantwell, CEO of Responsible Wagering Australia, called the new measures “draconian” and spoke of a “dangerous precedent.” He fears that the restrictions could harm an industry that supports 30,000 jobs and funds sports, racing, and broadcasting industries. A spokesperson for Sportsbet expressed concerns that “overly blunt” restrictions could have “unintended consequences,” driving players to illegal offshore betting providers not subject to the same conditions.

However, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese defended the measures, stating: > “Letting adults have a punt if they want to, but making sure our children don't see betting ads everywhere they look.” This statement underscores the balancing act the government is attempting: freedom for adults, protection for minors.

Why it matters for German players

The Australian reforms do not directly affect German players. However, Germany has implemented its own State Treaty on Gambling (GlüStV 2021), which also sets strict rules for online gambling. This treaty is comparably restrictive and aims to improve player protection and curb illegal gambling. For example, Germany has a whitelist from the Joint Gambling Authority of the Federal States (GGL), which only lists licensed and thus secure providers. Players in Germany should only play on these sites to be legally covered.

The GlüStV 2021 also includes strict deposit limits of 1,000 euros per month and a stake limit of 1 euro per spin for online slots. A nationwide database, the Limit and Exclusion System (LUGAS), also ensures that deposit and stake limits, as well as gaming breaks, are monitored across all providers nationwide. Comparing this to the Australian measures, one can see parallels: both countries struggle to find the balance between player protection and the appeal of a regulated market. German players are already comprehensively protected by the GlüStV 2021, which drastically limits illegitimate practices.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

The experiences in Australia show that strict regulations, particularly in the areas of advertising and player protection, are unavoidable. GGL-licensed casinos in Germany must already meet similar high standards. They benefit from the German state sending a clear signal for serious online gambling while simultaneously combatting illegal providers. The discussions in Australia about a new national regulatory authority, similar to the GGL, indicate the path Germany has already taken. However, the Australians initially decided against a new authority in favor of an expanded role for the ACMA. The ongoing fight against offshore providers is also an important issue here to strengthen the attractiveness of legal, highly regulated offerings and protect players from unregulated risks.