In recent years, the Australian government has come under increasing pressure to limit the amount of gambling advertising that is broadcast in the country. This is due to the growing concern about the potential for gambling addiction and its associated harms.

Gambling advertising has become increasingly pervasive in Australia, with many sporting events featuring a range of gambling-related promotions and advertisements. This has led to a situation where gambling is seen as a normal part of everyday life, and it is easy for people to become addicted without realising it.

The harms associated with gambling addiction are well-documented, and include financial problems, relationship breakdowns, mental health issues, and even suicide. It is estimated that around 400,000 Australians are affected by problem gambling, and this number is likely to grow if the current levels of advertising remain unchecked.

The Australian government has taken some steps to address the issue, such as introducing a ban on gambling advertising during live sports broadcasts before 8:30pm. However, this has been criticised as inadequate, as it does not cover other forms of advertising such as radio and online.

It is clear that more needs to be done to protect vulnerable people from the harms of gambling addiction. The Australian government should consider introducing further restrictions on gambling advertising, such as a complete ban on all forms of advertising during live sports broadcasts. This would help to reduce the amount of exposure to gambling-related messages that people are exposed to, and help to protect those who are at risk of developing an addiction.

In addition, the government should consider introducing more stringent regulations on the types of gambling promotions that can be used. This would help to ensure that only responsible gambling messages are being broadcast, and that people are not being encouraged to gamble recklessly.

Ultimately, it is up to the Australian government to take action on this issue and ensure that people are protected from the harms of gambling addiction. By introducing stricter regulations on gambling advertising, they can help to reduce the prevalence of problem gambling in Australia and protect vulnerable people from its associated harms.