Media Release

Member for Bean, David Smith, today welcomed the package of laws passed by the House of Representatives to further protect Australians from the harms of gambling.

The amendments passed today will take action to help protect vulnerable customers from inducements.

These include:

• banning the direct marketing of inducements for 14 days after signing up with a wagering company
• banning the direct marketing of inducements to all customers identified as at risk of gambling-related harm
• banning the direct marketing of inducements for three months after a person deregisters from BetStop
• banning commissions to staff or affiliates based on customer activity.

The amendments also strengthen existing provisions in the Bill to further reduce children’s and vulnerable people's exposure to wagering advertising.

The Albanese Government will also establish a Wagering Advertising Opt-out Register.

The register will allow people to indicate they do not want to see wagering ads online and have it applied across their services.

Quotes attributable to David Smith:

"The Albanese Government is taking the strongest ever action to tackle the harms of gambling, and the legislation I voted for today represents the most significant reform to online gambling in Australia’s history.

"This package of reforms minimises children’s exposure to wagering advertising, takes action on predatory inducements and cracks down on illegal gambling operators.

"I acknowledge the hard work of those who have driven these reforms, and now the bills have passed the House, I will continue to work with my colleagues in the Senate to ensure these reforms are implemented." Mr Smith said.