Australia's peak wagering industry body has welcomed a Senate Inquiry into the Federal Government's proposed gambling advertising reforms, arguing the legislation should undergo further scrutiny before becoming law.
Responsible Wagering Australia (RWA) believes several provisions in the Interactive Gambling Amendment (Gambling Reform) Bill 2026 extend beyond the Government's intended policy objectives and could create practical challenges for licensed wagering operators.
The legislation, introduced by Communications Minister Anika Wells, proposes sweeping restrictions on gambling advertising across television, radio, online platforms and sports venues. It also includes measures prohibiting gambling companies from engaging celebrities and social media influencers to promote wagering products.
RWA Chief Executive Kai Cantwell said the organisation had participated throughout the Government's consultation process and submitted recommendations aimed at improving the legislation and providing greater regulatory certainty for the industry. Among its suggestions were clarifications on how advertising restrictions would apply to celebrities, influencers and digital content creators, as well as measures to address potential implementation issues.
However, Cantwell said those recommendations were not reflected in the draft legislation.
He described the Senate Inquiry as an important opportunity for Parliament to examine what the industry considers to be "draconian and overreaching" aspects of the bill and to ensure the final legislation remains proportionate while achieving its policy goals.
RWA said it intends to continue working with lawmakers throughout the inquiry process and will advocate amendments it believes would produce a more balanced regulatory framework for both consumers and licensed operators.
The legislation's progress through Parliament remains uncertain, with the governing Labor Party requiring support from either the Coalition or the Greens for the bill to pass both houses. The referral to a Senate Inquiry means debate on the reforms will be delayed until at least August.
If ultimately approved, the Government plans for the new gambling advertising regime to take effect from 1 January, marking one of Australia's most significant overhauls of gambling marketing rules in recent years.
The Australian Government intends for the new gambling advertising laws to come into effect on 1 January, subject to parliamentary approval
