Gambling advertisements could be broadcast during TV programs that are popular with children, prompting concerns that the federal government's plans to restrict the ads won't go far enough to protect young people from harm.
Data analysed by ABC Investigations shows children are watching TV in far greater numbers during the evening, when gambling ads can be shown, compared to time slots associated with children's programming.
However, analysis of OzTAM ratings data conducted by ABC Investigations shows that children aged between 10 and 17 watch TV in far greater numbers during evening prime time, compared to the morning and afternoon time slots commonly associated with children's programming. The other four programs, including Married at First Sight and Gogglebox, are rated M and are not recommended for children under 15.
"That's when there are big viewing audiences for children and young people, and that's where the government seems to be reluctant to create a complete ban on gambling ads," she said.Ms Rowland would not confirm whether gambling ad restrictions would apply to these top rating programs among children, or others rated PG or M that run in evening slots, but in a statement said:
The cross-party committee recognised that gambling ads in evening time slots exposed children to risk, and unanimously recommended that all ads for online gambling be banned from being shown on TV between 6am and 10pm.Peta Murphy's final political act was convincing those who sat opposite her in parliament of the need to tackle online gambling. But it's a message that looks to have fallen short with those who sat much closer on the government's frontbench.
A report released by the Australian Communications and Media Authority in December 2023 found that across one year, over 1 million gambling ads were broadcast on free-to-air TV and metropolitan radio – with more than half of those for online betting providers. The betting industry has been engaged in an intensive lobbying campaign to try and prevent the government from banning gambling advertising during peak time slots that generate substantial revenue at a time when free-to-air television has been struggling.
But that 7pm to 10pm prime time slot remains the most lucrative for TV networks when it comes to gambling advertising. That means a program like Married at First Sight, which is popular with 10 to 17-year-olds, despite being rated M, can run gambling ads under the code because it's deemed to not be principally directed at children.
Gambling Gambling Advertising Gambling Ads Betting Ads Gambling Ad Ban Government Anthony Albanese Michelle Rowland Acma Oztam Children Kids Gambling Harm Betting
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