The Australian state of New South Wales continues its crackdown on online betting advertisements.
Deputy Premier and New South Wales minister for gaming and racing Troy Grant announced Saturday that advertisements of live odds on television and radio during sporting events will be banned as of March 2016.
In-play odds offering that shift according to the scoreboard or the chance to guess the next goal scorer increase the risk of dangerous gambling by encouraging punters to chase losses or bet on impulse, according to Grant.
“There is no doubt the sports betting market is becoming increasingly competitive as operators aggressively chase market share through promotions, so it’s important that regulation moves with the industry,” Grant added.
New South Wales will become the first Australian state to ban live-betting ads in sporting events that are shorter than four hours, such as NRL, AFL, cricket and football. Sports that last for days such as Test cricket and golf tournaments will be excluded.
NSW is also set to extend the scope of the current ban on alluring credits, vouchers, and other offerings provided by gambling operators. The new regime will take effect in December, following the completion of a federal report on online betting by former New South Wales Premier Barry O’Farrell.
The Australian Association of National Advertisers (AANA) is also launching a discussion paper to remove ads that might encourage children or young adults to gamble.
The proposed ban will include any ads using themes, images, music, language or celebrities that entice younger demographics. Advertisements showing punters younger than 25 years old; promoting gambling and drinking or linking gambling to sex; as well as gambling ads with a guaranteed win are also prohibited.
According to AANA chief executive Sunita Gloster, the proposed code would provide protection for the consumers and a regulatory framework for online gambling operators on the responsible marketing and advertising of their betting products.
