Australia’s parliament has passed the Interactive Gambling Amendment (Gambling Reform) Bill 2026, marking a significant shift in how wagering is advertised across the country.
The bill passed both houses of parliament on 19 August 2026 after the Labor government reached a deal with the Coalition on additional amendments to secure the necessary support.
The legislation now moves toward Royal Assent from the Governor-General, with the new regulatory framework expected to come into force on 1 January 2027.
At its core, the bill substantially reduces wagering advertising across television, radio, and online platforms, while introducing new restrictions to protect vulnerable customers from inducements.
Among the most notable measures is a ban on gambling advertising during live sports broadcasts and within sporting venues, a restriction that has long been demanded by public health advocates.
The legislation also removes gambling promotions from athletes’ and officials’ uniforms, prevents celebrities and influencers from appearing in gambling marketing campaigns, and restricts radio advertisements during school drop-off and pick-up periods.
To get the bill over the line in the Senate, the government agreed to extend the blackout period for gambling advertising around live sports broadcasts and committed to establishing a national register allowing people to opt out of wagering advertising online.
The reforms also strengthen BetStop, the National Self-Exclusion Register, and include measures targeting harmful and emerging online lottery products, as well as boosted enforcement action against illegal gambling services.
Minister for Communications Anika Wells welcomed the outcome, stating that “the Albanese Government is delivering the strongest ever laws to tackle gambling harm as part of a comprehensive and balanced package,” and that “these laws deliver meaningful protections for Australians experiencing gambling-related harm.”
The Australian Communications and Media Authority will be responsible for monitoring and enforcing compliance with the new rules, including issuing guidance to industry to support a smooth rollout ahead of the January deadline.
Despite the government’s confidence, the bill has not been without its critics, and the passage has left neither side of the debate fully satisfied with the outcome.
Independent Senator David Pocock, a former Australia rugby union player and prominent critic of the gambling sector, condemned the legislation as a “betrayal of Australians” and pledged to vote against it.
Pocock’s opposition reflects a view shared by some advocates that the bill does not go far enough in curbing the reach and influence of gambling advertising across Australian media.
On the other side, the industry has raised concerns about the scope and speed of the changes, with operators facing significant adjustments to their marketing strategies before the end of the year.
The passage of the bill represents the most substantial overhaul of gambling advertising laws in Australia’s recent history, though its long-term impact will depend heavily on enforcement and industry compliance.
