Gambling advertising has increased significantly all around the world over the last several years. Unsurprisingly, this has raised a lot of eyebrows with lots of parties expressing their concerns about the issues. Lately, requests for limitations or bans are becoming increasingly common. One of the places where this discussion has picked up some heat in Australia.
According to a recent report from Victoria, gambling advertising rose 253 percent in the state between 2016 and 2021. According to the survey, the gaming sector spent more than $287 million (US$202.6 million) last year on advertising its products and services.
The survey, which was commissioned by the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation (VRGF), further revealed that there were up to a whopping 948 gambling advertisements on free-to-air television in Victoria every day last year. That is a huge figure and it is no surprise that more people are starting to take notice.
Existing Regulations Not Sufficient
When gambling commercials can be broadcast is already regulated. In Australia, live sports are prohibited throughout the day, except after 8:30 p.m. The Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation, on the other hand, contends that this is insufficient. If the organization had its way, there would never be any advertisements for sports betting.
Former South Australian senator Nick Xenophon feels that casino advertising should be more carefully controlled. Sports betting sponsorships should likewise be more closely monitored, according to him.
All sports betting advertising, according to the politician, needs to be limited to 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. on school days and 8:30 p.m. to 5 a.m. every week. He compares this to the limitations on alcohol marketing and notes that it falls short of the country’s total prohibition on cigarette commercials.
Xenophon further makes an unexpected claim that does not appear to be backed up by evidence. He wants sports betting businesses to give 20% of their ad revenue to a fund for problem gamblers. All gaming businesses in Australia, as well as in other countries, are already supportive of responsible gambling efforts. According to its own standards, each state chooses how much is paid.
While those latter sentiments may be rather sensational, the need for responsible advertising in Australia cannot be dismissed. This is especially true considering how fast the gambling sector has been growing. Regulators and all other stakeholders have to step in to ensure that the sector is not only safe but also sustainable.
