Independent parliamentarians Meg Webb and Kristie Johnston have tabled a motion to ban all gambling advertising and sponsorships across state-owned and state-funded venues in Tasmania. The proposal encompasses signage, digital placements, broadcast assets, and even player uniforms, representing one of the most comprehensive approaches to gambling ad regulation in Australia.
The initiative draws on recommendations from a 2023 federal parliamentary inquiry into online gambling that has yet to be implemented nationally. Webb and Johnston argue that Tasmania can lead by example, acting independently to reduce gambling exposure among young people while federal progress remains stalled.
Public opinion appears firmly in support of reform. Polling shows 75% of Australians favour a complete gambling ad ban, and 81% back restrictions on online gambling promotions. The Alliance for Gambling Reform has endorsed the motion, citing gambling harm as a public health concern and calling the proposal a critical step in protecting children and communities from the normalisation of betting.
If passed, agencies would have 12 months to implement the ban, supported by compliance monitoring and transitional measures. The motion also requires a six-month progress report to parliament outlining enforcement and exemptions.
Debate is scheduled for December, positioning Tasmania as a frontrunner in regulatory action against pervasive gambling advertising. The outcome could influence national policy discussions and signal a shift toward prioritising public welfare in the governance of gambling marketing.
