The majority (56%) of Australians support sensible, moderate restrictions on gambling advertising online, over a blanket ban (37%), according to research released today by Freshwater Strategy.

The survey found that when it comes to gambling advertising online, the priority of Australians is to reduce the exposure of children (37%) and vulnerable Australians (26%) to such content.

This is consistent with findings from a previous AFR Freshwater Poll which found that 70 per cent of voters prefer options that limit the number of gambling ads on TV and the time during which they can be seen, over a blanket advertising ban.

Responsible Wagering Australia CEO Kai Cantwell said we know that when people are given an all or nothing proposition, they will opt for a ban, but when given sensible, evidence-based alternatives, such as opt-out provisions and age-verification requirements, the majority prefer the alternatives.

‘The Government should take on board the feedback presented consistently throughout the consultations from impacted industries,’ Mr Cantwell said.

‘Sports, racing bodies, advertisers and licensed wagering providers have all agreed that sensible middle ground positions will address the concerns of the Australian public, without undermining harm reduction efforts, slashing Australian sports, racing and media revenue and unduly restricting the enjoyment of the majority who gamble safely and within their means.

‘It will be a missed opportunity if the Government fails to leverage sophisticated online platform technologies that can ensure that gambling advertisements are shown only to users who are logged in, have verified that they are over 18 years old, and have the option to opt out of receiving such ads.

‘This approach would protect kids and vulnerable Australians, without creating severe unintended consequences.

‘Banning online advertising will not stop Australian’s gambling; it will simply push Australians towards illegal offshore providers, who lure customers in with large bonuses and then don’t pay out winnings or provide their customers with any safer gambling tools.

‘International evidence shows that when you over-regulate legal markets, illegal operators will fill the void, targeting children and vulnerable people with predatory advertising.

‘Illegal providers also evade paying the taxes and fees required of legal providers, costing the economy billions of dollars each year – money that could otherwise be reinvested into essential services like health, education, and community infrastructure that Australians rely on.

‘This is the start of a slippery slope, with calls already coming from the Teals and other activists to completely ban the advertising of alcohol, fast food and sugary drinks.’

Freshwater Strategy Polling Report

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