Australia exempts pay TV channels from gambling ad ban

A NUMBER of cable pay-TV channels will be exempt from an Australian ban on gambling advertisements during live sport.

Taking effect in two weeks, the ban will encompass all televised sporting events on free-to-air television from 5am-8.30pm.

The objective of the prohibition is to minimize the exposure of gambling messages to children and will be applicable from five minutes before the start of play. The industry code of practice, which has been recently formulated, was a point of controversy for the TV channels like ESPN, Eurosports – which are now exempt.

The Australian Subscription Television and Radio Association (ASTRA) argued successfully that many of its channels are for an older, boutique audience and would suffer greatly as a result of the ban.

Australian minister for Communication and Arts, Mitch Fifield, stated he was highly contented to see an alliance between key industry powerbrokers, confident it would make a big difference to the community.

Stephen Mayne, the gambling reform spokesman, mentioned that some aspects of the new codes appeared open to interpretation. Australia’s commercial radio chief Joan Warner mentioned it can view gambling advertising-driven online and away from the broadcasters prior to the application of the rules to digital platforms.

The commercial-free to air representative group Free TV chief executive Bridget Fair mentioned it is vital restriction were in position fast for the online players.

The ad ban related to living sports gambling and has been given support by the nation’s corporate bookmakers.