Australia passes gambling reforms forcing bookmakers to block promotions for at-risk bettors

Labor and the Coalition have finalized a gambling reform package that mandates Australian betting companies to detect patrons exhibiting problem-gambling behavior and to halt all inducement offers to them. The law introduces a red-flag mechanism, to be refined over the coming months using spend, frequency and other betting patterns, and places oversight with the Australian Media Communications Authority. Additional provisions prohibit promotions to new accounts for 14 days, extend a three-month blackout for former Betstop users, and ban staff commissions linked to gambling activity.

While the government hails the changes as the most significant advertising reform, opponents such as Liberal MP Andrew Wallace and Nationals MP Pat Conaghan contend the measures are insufficient, likening industry self-regulation to “putting Dracula in charge of a blood bank.” The gambling industry, represented by Responsible Wagering Australia chief Kai Cantwell, warned that the details could push gamblers toward unregulated offshore markets.