SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
The Victoria (Australia) state government has begun consultations on potential restrictions to gambling services advertising.
Multiple Australian news sources have reported this weekend that state governance is reviewing plans to ban gambling advertisements being published within public transport services and near schools.
State Gaming Minister Marlene Kairouz who is reviewing advertising standards proposals, commented that Victoria’s community was concerned with gambling advertisements being published in places frequented by children and teenagers.
“There is absolutely no question that sports betting advertising has become prevalent and more noticeable,” she said
“These reforms are an important first step to limit the community’s exposure to betting advertising, especially in places where people spend a lot of time and find hard to avoid.”
Under guidelines enforced by the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation (VCGLR), the state has been one of the more relaxed Australian authorities for gambling operators.
Nevertheless, Victoria’s stance on gambling has been criticised by some politicians. Reacting to news of the review on gambling advertisement, Victoria Liberal Party Leader Matthew Guy called for harder restrictions by the state with the banning of all TV adverts promoting gambling.
“This Government has ripped out millions from anti-gambling measures in its first few months and has not replaced a cent of it,” Matthew Guy commented.
To date, Victoria has committed over AUS $150 million over four years to Victoria’s Responsible Gambling Foundation.
