According to submissions made to a federal parliamentary inquiry into gambling, media broadcasters disagree and fear that further restrictions will cut into revenues and therefore limit the services that they provide.
Broadcasters and gambling companies are already under the microscope as the new Labor government has started to place further restrictions on gambling advertising in a bid to reduce the harms of problem gambling. The expected widespread crackdown is backed up by data from The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare which says that local gamblers lose around $25 billion each year.
Commercial Radio and Audio (CRA) has stated that it fully supports reducing problem gambling. However, it feels that the Commercial Radio Code of Practice is strict enough as it is.
Australian Broadcasters Disagree with Tabcorp's Proposal to Stop Peak Time AdvertisingFree TV stated to the inquiry that broadcasters are strictly regulated under the Commercial Television Industry Code of Practice (the Free TV Code). The code includes restrictions on gambling advertising on broadcast television, providing protection to vulnerable viewers such as children.
In a submission to the inquiry, Free TV said:
“The current comprehensive framework for gambling advertising on television is appropriate and proportionate. No further restrictions should be placed on commercial broadcasters. Any further restrictions would have significant revenue implications for Australian TV networks and their ability to invest in sports; news and current affairs; and Australian content.”
In its own submission, Tabcorp stated:
Australian Broadcasters Disagree with Tabcorp's Proposal to Stop Peak Time Advertising