Labor pledges opt-out register for online gambling ads as Pocock calls out shortfalls in government’s bill
Summary
The Labor government has introduced amendments to its wagering advertising bill, including a new single opt-out register for online gambling ads administered by the ACMA and funded by an industry levy. The register aims to provide a "one-stop shop" for users to opt out of seeing wagering ads across platforms, addressing concerns that existing opt-out features are hard to find. The bill also restricts inducements and commission-based referral arrangements. However, the Senate inquiry report reveals strong criticism from the Coalition, Greens, and independent senator David Pocock, who argue the measures fall short of a full ban or opt-in model and fail to break the link between sport and gambling. The government hopes to pass the legislation this week, though details of the register's operation remain unclear and it may not be ready by the 2027 target date.
(Source:The Guardian)