The Australian government has announced one of the biggest crackdowns on gambling advertising in the country’s history, with new restrictions set to take effect from January 2026.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese revealed the sweeping reforms, which will significantly limit how gambling companies can promote their services across TV, radio, online platforms, and sports venues.
Key Restrictions Coming in 2026:
- Gambling ads on TV will be limited to just 3 per hour between 6am and 8:30pm
- Complete ban on radio gambling ads during school drop-off and pick-up times
- Online ads will only be shown to logged-in users aged 18+ with easy opt-out options
- Celebrities and athletes will be banned from appearing in gambling promotions
- Gambling advertising will be removed from sports stadiums and team uniforms
The government says the changes are designed to better protect consumers — especially young people — while continuing to support the regulated gambling industry.
Pressure Has Been Building
The announcement follows years of growing criticism and a landmark 2023 report that called for much tougher rules on gambling ads. Recent ACMA investigations into influencers promoting illegal sites have only added to the momentum.
Mixed Reactions
As expected, the betting industry is not happy. Responsible Wagering Australia called the measures “draconian” and warned they could push more players toward unregulated offshore casinos.
On the other side, gambling reform advocates say the reforms don’t go far enough and are calling for a near-total ban on gambling advertising.
What This Means for Australian Players
These upcoming changes will make gambling ads much less visible in everyday life. While this may reduce overall exposure, it also means licensed and regulated operators (like those we review on pokie.inc) will need to compete more on trust, bonuses, and player experience rather than heavy advertising.
In the long run, a stricter advertising environment should make it easier for players to distinguish between safe, licensed platforms and risky offshore sites.
