Labor has pledged to introduce an opt-out register for online gambling advertisements if it wins the next federal election, allowing Australians to block betting promotions from appearing on their devices.
Policy announcement
The announcement was made by the opposition party as part of its broader gambling reform agenda. Under the proposed plan, individuals would be able to register to opt out of receiving online gambling ads, which would then be prohibited from being shown to them by advertisers.
Labor said the measure is designed to reduce exposure to gambling promotions, particularly among vulnerable groups, and to give people more control over their online experience.
Reaction and impact
The pledge has been welcomed by anti-gambling advocates, who have long called for stricter regulation of gambling advertising. However, industry groups have expressed concerns about the potential impact on revenue and the practicality of enforcing such a register.
If implemented, the opt-out register would apply to all online gambling ads, including those on social media, streaming services, and websites. Labor has not yet detailed how the register would be enforced or what penalties would apply for non-compliance.
