Labor and the Coalition have reached a tentative agreement to pass the federal government’s gambling‑reform package, including a new “one‑stop shop” opt‑out system that will allow Australians to block wagering advertising across online platforms. Please confirm all political information with a trusted source.
Both parties briefed their internal committees on the agreed amendments ahead of final approval expected tomorrow, clearing the path for legislation the government hopes to pass by the end of the week.
Communications Minister Anika Wells signalled earlier in parliament that Labor was preparing to strengthen the bill after criticism it did not go far enough on gambling inducements and online advertising. She said the reforms are expected to introduce new restrictions on inducement‑based marketing and establish a wagering advertising opt‑out register, giving Australians a single place to block gambling ads across digital platforms.
Under the government’s draft bill, TV and radio restrictions would be paired with a “triple lock” system for online platforms requiring social media, streaming services and other digital providers to show gambling ads only to logged‑in users verified as over 18, and to offer every adult the ability to opt out.
The Greens and Coalition had criticised the original approach as too burdensome, arguing Australians would have to manually opt out on every account. Some pushed for an opt‑in model instead, but Prime Minister Anthony Albanese rejected such a major shift.
The compromise proposed by the Coalition is the creation of a centralised opt‑out register, run by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). Australians would be able to submit details such as the email addresses linked to their online accounts, allowing platforms to block gambling ads automatically.
Opposition Leader Angus Taylor and Albanese met several times to negotiate the reforms, which both sides now appear ready to support.
The register is not expected to be operational by January 1, when the broader advertising restrictions are scheduled to take effect.
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