Australia announced new gambling advertising restrictions, responding to years of criticism over the country's highest per capita gambling losses globally. The reforms cap TV ads at three per hour during daytime hours, ban celebrity endorsements, and restrict online advertising to logged-in adults only, though stop short of a total ban favored by many advocacy groups.

Industry groups including Responsible Wagering Australia and Sportsbet oppose the "draconian" measures, warning they could drive consumers toward illegal offshore betting platforms. The restrictions begin January 1 and represent a compromise between public health concerns and the gambling industry's economic contributions, which support approximately 30,000 jobs and fund sports organizations.

The Australian government faces criticism from both sides—advocates wanting complete bans and industry groups warning of unintended consequences. With countries like Italy and Belgium implementing total ad prohibitions, Australia's partial approach may not address the root problem while potentially creating regulatory loopholes that illegal offshore operators could exploit.