Australia passes gambling reform bill restricting wagering advertising

The Interactive Gambling Amendment (Gambling Reform) Bill 2026 passed Australia's Parliament on 19 August 2026. Communications Minister Anika Wells described the package as the strongest gambling-harm laws to date. The reforms commence from 1 January 2027.

Wagering advertising is banned during live coverage of sporting events on broadcast and online content services, from 15 minutes before to 5 minutes after the event, within the hours of 5am to 8.30pm. The bill also bans wagering advertising in sports venues and on players' and officials' uniforms. Athletes, celebrities and influencers are barred from promoting wagering, according to AsGam, Yogonet and SCCG.

• No more than three wagering ads an hour on TV between 5am and 8.30pm
• No wagering ads on radio at school drop-off and pick-up times
• Online wagering ads only to logged-in adult users, with an opt-out

The bill stops short of the complete advertising ban recommended by the 2023 parliamentary inquiry led by Peta Murphy. It instead sets limits on timing, placement, frequency and on who may appear in wagering advertising.

The details come from AsGam and Yogonet reports of 21 August 2026 and from the Minister's media release.

Taken together, the measures cover broadcast and online coverage of live sport, venues, uniforms, radio at set times and endorsements by athletes, celebrities and influencers. The reforms commence roughly four months after the bill passed Parliament, from 1 January 2027.

In context: the measures regulate when, where and by whom wagering advertising can appear, with the start date of 1 January 2027 allowing time before the rules apply.

18+ only. This article is for information, not advice to gamble. Responsible gambling.