New research showing Australians lost more than AU$104 billion on gambling in just three years has sharpened criticism of the federal government’s proposed reforms. The figures, covering the period since the landmark Murphy review, have raised questions about both the pace and the strength of the changes now before Parliament.
While the proposed legislation focuses largely on advertising restrictions, it does not change how licensed gambling platforms operate. Players can learn more about online casinos and how real money casinos work under different regulatory frameworks.
The Albanese government introduced the Interactive Gambling Amendment (Gambling Reform) Bill 2026 on 2 July. The legislation was quickly referred to a Senate committee, which is due to report on 17 August. If passed, the new rules are scheduled to take effect on 1 January 2027.
Australians Losing AU$666 Million a Week
Research from the Australia Institute estimates total gambling losses between 1 July 2023 and 1 July 2026 exceeded AU$104 billion. That works out to roughly AU$666 million every week. The same analysis suggests national gambling losses have climbed 75% since 2020.
Online gambling has grown especially fast. More than one-third of Australian adults placed bets online in 2024, up from just 8% in 2017. The scale of the losses has intensified claims that the government has moved too slowly and that the current bill fails to match the level of harm.
What the Reform Bill Would Actually Change
The proposed legislation focuses mainly on limiting public exposure to betting promotions. Free-to-air television networks would be restricted to three gambling ads per hour between 6am and 8:30pm, with a complete ban during live sports broadcasts in those hours.
Radio advertising would be blocked during school drop-off and pick-up windows. Gambling branding would be banned from sports venues and from the uniforms of players and officials. Celebrities, influencers and other high-profile figures would no longer be allowed to appear in gambling promotions. Online ads would generally be restricted to verified adult account holders, who could also opt out of receiving them.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has called the package the most significant gambling reform Australia has ever attempted. Critics counter that limiting advertising is not the same as ending it.
Calls to Implement the Full Murphy Review
Much of the pushback centres on the government’s decision not to adopt all 31 recommendations from the 2023 parliamentary inquiry led by the late Labor MP Peta Murphy. That review urged a phased three-year ban on all online gambling advertising, the creation of a national gambling regulator, a ban on inducements and stronger consumer protections.
Independent MPs and public-health advocates argue those measures offered a more thorough response than the current bill. Andrew Wilkie has asked why the government stopped short of full implementation, suggesting stronger reforms could still secure parliamentary support.
Alliance for Gambling Reform chief advocate Tim Costello has labelled Australia’s rising losses a national tragedy. Campaigners stress that the numbers reflect real human costs — household debt, broken relationships, mental-health crises and gambling-related suicide.
Public opinion appears to lean toward tougher action. Australia Institute polling found 79% of Australians support a complete ban on gambling advertisements across television, radio and online platforms.
The proposed reforms primarily target gambling advertising rather than gameplay itself. Readers following developments in Australia’s online gambling market can compare online casino platforms and understand how real money casinos differ from illegal or unlicensed operators.
The Senate inquiry still has room to recommend changes before the bill advances. Pokie Inc will continue following the debate and report on any amendments to Australia’s gambling reform package.
