Television gambling commercials remain among the most complained-about issues to regulators. Despite a crackdown during live sport three years ago,the industry spent $271.3 million on advertising last year,up from $89.7 million in 2011.
Tabcorp chief executive David Attenborough said the federal government needed to consider a further crackdown on advertising – particularly around live sporting events – where exposure to children was heightened.
He said further restrictions on prime-time television advertising – excluding racing channels – would better protect vulnerable Australians.
Loading
“One is that they should look at restricting wagering advertising,particularly around live sporting events,between the hours of 6.30am and 8.30pm,where exposure to children is heightened,” he told a parliamentary committee.
“We’ve seen this done in the UK. It’s a classic way of trying to reduce the impact on the young.”
Advertising for betting products are not permitted during TV programs classified G or lower from 6am to 8.30am and 4pm to 7 pm,or in programs directed at children between 5am and 8.30pm.