Key Moments:
- The Australian government intends to introduce sweeping changes to gambling advertising laws before the current parliamentary year concludes.
- Recent proposals suggest advertising limits rather than a full ban, with measures targeting television, children’s programming, and live sports broadcasts.
- New anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regulations for the gambling sector are scheduled to take effect from March 2026.
Upcoming Legislative Measures
The Australian federal government is preparing legislation to overhaul gambling advertising regulations, aiming to pass new rules before the current parliamentary year ends. Communications Minister Anika Wells has engaged with representatives from the gambling, advertising, and media sectors as she shapes the initiative.
Recommendations and Ongoing Debate
Gambling advertising reform has remained a prominent issue following a 2023 parliamentary inquiry that addressed the social consequences of online gambling. The inquiry produced 31 recommendations, such as proposing a phased, three-year prohibition on online gambling advertisements and establishing a national gambling regulator to unify state and territory oversight.
Usman Khawaja said in Parliament today that the Government has been “100% too slow” in banning gambling ads.
Australia Institute polling shows three in four Australians (76%) support a total ban on gambling ads! @AmyRemeikis #auspol pic.twitter.com/NRNPaVg2Uy
— Australia Institute (@TheAusInstitute) August 28, 2025
Proposal Details and Opposition Response
Leaked drafts from the previous year revealed that the forthcoming changes may include placing a cap of two gambling advertisements per hour on television between 6 AM and 10 PM, as well as restrictions during children’s prime viewing hours and live sports. While a full online gambling advertising ban appears unlikely due to concerns about driving consumers toward unregulated alternatives, anti-gambling campaigners have advocated for a more comprehensive prohibition. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, however, “is hesitant to enact a complete ban.”
Earlier attempts to expedite a total advertising ban failed, notably when the Australian Greens put forward the Communications Legislation Amendment (Regional Broadcasting Continuity) Bill in October 2024, aiming for a total prohibition. The bill did not pass in the Senate, but the party is expected to reintroduce it.
Strengthened Regulatory Framework on Financial Crime
The gambling industry also faces heightened regulatory pressure in the areas of anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF). AML/CTF regulations, brought before Parliament on 29 August 2024, will take effect from March 2026, intending to strengthen Australia’s defenses against financial misconduct and align practices with global benchmarks.
| Regulatory Area | Status/Timeline | Key Changes |
|---|---|---|
| Gambling Advertising | Proposed, pending parliamentary approval before end of current year | Capping TV ads, restricting child/youth exposure, review of online ad policies |
| AML/CTF Reform | Effective March 2026 | Modernized rules, new reporting standards, expanded scope for AUSTRAC |
AUSTRAC has confirmed that gambling is among the industries subject to stronger monitoring under the reforms. The government believes these changes are overdue, emphasizing that failing to act would undermine the country’s financial security measures. The latest figures estimate that money laundering accounts for as much as 2.3 percent of Australia’s GDP, making gambling a high-priority sector for new controls.
Implementation and Compliance
The soon-to-be adopted 2025 AML/CTF Rules will update the existing 2007 framework, providing gaming operators with greater clarity on obligations, including customer due diligence, risk assessment, and expanded reporting for suspicious transactions. The “travel rule” will compel all electronic transfer and virtual asset payments to include both payer and payee information. AUSTRAC underscores that every gaming provider offering designated services must register with the agency to remain in compliance.
- Author
Daniel Williams
