Tasmania Explores Ban on Gambling Advertising in State-Owned Venues
Push for Gambling Advertising Ban in Public Venues
Independent MPs Meg Webb and Kristie Johnston are advocating for Tasmania to implement a comprehensive ban on gambling advertisements and sponsorships within all publicly owned or state-funded venues. This initiative aims to reduce the normalization of betting in public spaces across the state.
Details of the Proposed Motion
The motion, set to be introduced in parliament this month, targets various forms of gambling promotion associated with state-run venues. This includes signs, digital displays, sports uniforms, and broadcast materials during sporting events. Importantly, the ban would extend to future projects like the Macquarie Point Stadium, ensuring enduring restrictions on gambling advertising in public infrastructure.
The proposal closely follows recommendations from a 2023 federal inquiry into online gambling, many of which have yet to be enacted at the national level. Webb and Johnston emphasize that Tasmania has the opportunity to lead by adopting these measures independently to protect residents from the harmful effects linked to gambling advertisements.
Implementation Plan and Oversight
If passed, government bodies will have 12 months to enforce the advertising ban. Additionally, authorities must provide a progress report to parliament within six months, outlining compliance measures, transition strategies, and any exceptions.
Support from Advocacy Groups
The Alliance for Gambling Reform supports the motion, viewing it as a vital public health effort. Spokesperson Mark Kempster highlighted how pervasive gambling advertising conditions audiences, especially youth, to associate betting with sports. Removing gambling branding from state venues is seen as a key step toward changing this culture and limiting exposure among minors.
Context of Broader Gambling Regulation Efforts
This motion is part of a wider push to tighten gambling regulations in Australia. Recent calls from other regions, like the Northern Territory, have demanded reforms of online gambling regulation to enhance oversight and accountability of the industry.
Public Opinion and Supporting Data
Strong public backing underpins the proposed ban. Surveys show that approximately 75% of Australians favor a complete prohibition of gambling advertising, with even higher support for tightening online gambling promotions. Among AFL fans, nearly 79% support removing gambling ads from sports venues.
Research from the Australian Gambling Research Center reveals alarming participation rates in harmful gambling behaviors, particularly among young adults aged 18 to 24, who are nearly twice as likely to be at high risk compared to other age groups.
Next Steps and Significance
The motion is scheduled for parliamentary debate in December. Advocates consider Tasmania’s potential action a significant precedent that could inspire similar policies across other Australian states and territories, marking an important milestone in the regulation of gambling advertising.
