News and media releases: advertising

The Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation has welcomed the report of the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs inquiry into online gambling and its impacts on those experiencing gambling harm.

A multi-code event in Point Cook marked the beginning of 2023's Love the Game month, with emerging Hawthorn star Mitch Lewis; Melbourne Rebels’ players Ray Nu'u, Max Johnson and Michaela Maunsell; Melbourne United’s Shea Ili; North Melbourne AFLW players Jenna Bruton and Jasmine Garner; and juniors from the Point Cook Bulldogs.

In an Australian-first, the State Government is tightening rules for online betting operators in a bid to provide stronger consumer protections for Victorians gambling online. From 26 May 2019, online betting operators must comply with strict requirements for betting account deposit limits, restrictions on direct marketing and a ban on perks that encourage consumers to continue betting.

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has approved new rules restricting gambling advertising during live sport streamed online.

Betting operators are using direct marketing channels, like SMS, to advertise inducements to regular sports and racing bettors – predominantly young men – that effectively encourage them to gamble more frequently and with larger amounts of money, thereby increasing their risk of harm.

In this edition Louise discusses: The Foundation and AFL Victoria's Love The Game Round, funding opportunities for Gambling Harm Awareness Week, loot box senate inquiry, The Foundation’s third biennial conference, Gambling harm: Taking action for change.

AFL Hall of Famer Scott West was considered one of the hardest working and most sportsman-like of footy players. His career spanned 16 seasons and 324 games for the Western Bulldogs, winning a record seven Charlie Sutton medals as best and fairest for the club. In life, as in the game, he’s widely regarded as a bloke who tells it as it is. Here he advises young players of today – as well all young people – how to keep themselves safe, and when to make a stand.

Stigma remains a significant issue for people experiencing gambling harm, with more than 50 per cent of adults who participated in the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation’s 2017 community attitudes survey declaring most people would think less of a person who struggles with their gambling.

In this edition Louise discusses: CALD prevention grants, the International Gambling Conference hosted in New Zealand, The Foundation's public awareness campaign 'Harm starts earlier than you think', Communications Legislation Amendment Bill submission, Love The Game.

In December 2017, the Senate Environment and Communications Legislation Committee commenced an inquiry on the Communications Legislation Amendment (Online Content Services and Other Measures) Bill 2017.

In this edition Louise discusses: gambling harm, prevention, early intervention, support, research program, Gambler's Help, Victorian Population Gambling and Health Study, sports betting, gambling advertising, Commonwealth legislation, prevention grants, awareness campaigns.

The Minister for Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Marlene Kairouz, has announced new laws that will ban betting advertising on roads, public transport, and within 150 metres of all Victorian schools.

The Australian Government recently announced that it will introduce changes to ban gambling advertisements during live sports programs before 8.30 pm. These changes will apply on commercial television, commercial radio, subscription television, SBS and online platforms.

The Australian Association of National Advertisers has released a self-regulatory communication code in relation to wagering advertising and marketing that will cover Australian licensed wagering operators, such as TABs and online bookmakers (often referred to in public discussion as sports betting companies).

Persuasive gambling advertising is influencing how parents and children view gambling and may reinforce misconceptions, according to a new study funded by the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation.

The Parliamentary Joint Select Committee has released its report into advertising and the promotion of gambling services in sport.

While the proliferation of sports betting advertising is dominating the media spotlight, other aspects of gambling also need community attention.

The Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation welcomes the Federal Government's move to ban live betting odds during television sports broadcasts.