Several additional mandatory warnings must now appear in Australian gambling advertisements. This is part of the nation’s efforts to promote safer gaming via the implementation of the recently revised National Consumer Protection Framework.

As part of the program, the Australian federal government, in conjunction with the governments of several states and territories, is responsible for designing and implementing gambling messages. Information about customer authentication and employee education also received upgrades.

Under the new regulations, all warnings about “the risks and potential harm from online wagering” must have a “nationally consistent” tone. In this regard, seven slogans emphasizing the need of preventing compulsive gambling have been developed. Any and every advertising must have at least one of these catchphrases.

These taglines or catchphrases include:

  • “Chances are, you’re about to lose”
  • “Think. Is this a bet you really want to place?”
  • “What’s gambling really costing you?”
  • “What are you prepared to lose today? Set a deposit limit.”
  • “Imagine what you could be buying instead.”
  • “You win some. You lose more.”
  • “What are you really gambling with?”

Special Use Cases

The media in which an advert is presented may have restrictions on the tagline that may be used. Five different tag lines are approved for use in radio, television, and video broadcasts. On the other hand, six different taglines may be utilized for advertising reasons across in-app, digital, print, social media, and internet mediums.

Advertisers may use any of the slogans for any kind of direct marketing, including sponsorship, promotions, print ads, and even billboards and stadium displays. “You win some. You lose more”, however, must be spoken wherever it is used.

Additionally, a call to action that reads “For free and confidential support call 1 800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au” must be included below the tagline.

Tight Deadlines

The deadline for implementing the new messaging is March 30, 2023. The deadline for operators to begin implementing the messages was this past Monday, October 31 (the “formal notice period”). There will be a period of adjustment beginning on October 31 and ending on March 30, 2023.