National

Anti-gambling advocates to keep up harm reduction fight

May 12, 2026

Customer's are seen inside a Tabcorp venue — Anti-gambling advocates say the government is "tinkering around the edges of meaningful reform". -AAP Image

A probe that showed hundreds of gamblers were able to keep online accounts after placing themselves on a self-exclusion register highlights the need for reform, advocates say.

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However, those hoping for meaty changes from the government are bracing themselves for disappointment.

Anthony Albanese's government will table laws intended to help reduce gambling harm in parliament on Tuesday.

They will include fewer gambling ads across various media, including none during television broadcasts, a ban on "pocket pokies" and improved financial counselling.

"We're getting the balance right here, letting adults have a punt if they want to but also making sure Australian children don't see betting ads everywhere they look," Mr Albanese said.

"What we don't want is kids growing up thinking that footy and gambling are the same thing."

The changes were previewed at a National Press Club address in April and immediately whacked by those hoping for a bigger bang.

Kate Chaney, the independent member for Curtin, said the government changes were especially disappointing given a 1000-day wait since the tabling of a report by a Labor-led parliamentary committee that went far further with reforms.

"The evidence shows that partial ad bans don't work," she said.

"The prime minister's comments on gambling reform are consistent with a government that does the bare minimum - tinkering around the edges of meaningful reform."

Ms Chaney said the example this week of Ladbrokes and Neds brought to light the failing regulatory environment.

An Australian Communications and Media Authority investigation showed "more than 500 breaches of national self-exclusion rules" by parent company Entain.

The regulator found Entain opened accounts, allowed bets, and failed to close accounts for gamblers who had placed themselves on the register, and kept sending them texts and emails encouraging them to bet.

"When people register for self-exclusion, there should be no way for them to open new accounts for licensed wagering services in Australia," the authority's Carolyn Lidgerwood said.

While Entain acknowledged fault and must fix the mistakes, Ms Chaney said the lack of fine or punishment showed the need for a "national gambling regulator with teeth".

It's not clear whether those regulatory changes will be in the legislation.

Responsible Wagering Australia, the organisation representing gambling companies, is hopeful the legislative process will give them a chance to consult with government on the changes, due to take effect in January.

Chief executive Kai Cantwell said the $6 billion industry considered the changes a "kick in the guts".