The short answer
Interactive Gambling Amendment (Stop the Gambling Ads) Bill 2026 explained: what Kate Chaney's gambling advertising ban would change
The Interactive Gambling Amendment (Stop the Gambling Ads) Bill 2026 is a private member's bill introduced by independent MP Kate Chaney on 30 March 2026. It proposes to amend the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 to phase in a comprehensive prohibition on advertising of licensed interactive wagering services across broadcast television and radio, digital platforms, other media, and in-stadia signage. The ban would be implemented over three years with limited exceptions for political communication, harm-reduction messaging, and small community radio. The bill responds directly to the June 2023 Murphy Report which found extensive gambling advertising exposure contributes to gambling-related harm, particularly among children and young people. It is currently before the House of Representatives and has not yet been debated.
This is a federal system guide. State constitutions, parliaments and local-government laws can allocate comparable functions differently.
The useful question is not only “what is the rule?” but also “who administers it, which document controls it, and when might it change?” That distinction prevents an accurate general explanation from becoming wrong advice in a particular election, chamber or policy setting.
Evidence review
What the bill proposes: a phased advertising prohibition
The bill amends the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 to create a new framework that prohibits the advertising of licensed interactive wagering services. This covers advertising across broadcast media (television and radio), digital platforms (streaming services, social media, websites), other media (print, outdoor), and in-stadia signage and sponsorship at sporting venues.
Rather than an immediate ban, the bill introduces a phased implementation model over three years. The explanatory memorandum states this is 'to allow for an orderly transition' for broadcasters, sporting organisations and wagering service providers that currently rely on gambling advertising revenue. The precise phase-in timeline for different media types is specified in the bill's operative provisions.
The prohibition is structured through a series of new offence and civil penalty provisions inserted into the Interactive Gambling Act. These would make it unlawful to publish, broadcast or otherwise disseminate advertising for licensed interactive wagering services, with penalties applicable for contraventions.
Evidence review
The Murphy Report: evidence behind the bill
The bill explicitly responds to the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs report 'You win some, you lose more', tabled on 28 June 2023. Known as the Murphy Report after committee chair Peta Murphy MP, it followed an extensive parliamentary inquiry into online gambling that took evidence from individuals experiencing gambling harm, researchers, broadcasters, sporting organisations and wagering service providers.
The report found 'strong and sustained evidence that extensive exposure to gambling advertising contributes to gambling-related harm, including normalisation of gambling behaviours, increased participation and heightened risks for children, young people and vulnerable individuals.' These findings form the evidentiary basis for the bill's prohibition approach.
Evidence review
Exceptions and what the ban would not cover
The bill includes targeted exceptions designed to ensure the prohibition operates proportionately and does not capture non-promotional or constitutionally protected communication. The exceptions include: political communication (so political parties can still discuss gambling policy); factual business communications on a provider's own website or documents; signage on the physical premises of a wagering service provider; internal management and compliance communications; products or services with coincidentally similar names that are unrelated to gambling; harm-reduction and anti-gambling messaging; and any additional exemptions prescribed by future regulation.
A specific time-limited exemption applies to small community radio services, which are given a two-year period after commencement before the prohibition applies to them. This aligns with recommendation 26 of the Murphy Report, which recognised that small community broadcasters may need additional time to adjust to the loss of gambling advertising revenue.
Evidence review
Financial impact and constitutional considerations
The explanatory memorandum states that the bill 'will have no financial impact on Commonwealth expenditure or revenue.' This is because the prohibition operates as a regulatory restriction on private commercial activity rather than a government spending or revenue measure. However, the bill would likely have significant financial implications for broadcasters, sporting codes and digital platforms that currently earn substantial revenue from gambling advertising.
The explanatory memorandum also notes that the exceptions have been crafted to ensure the prohibition does not capture 'constitutionally protected communication,' suggesting the bill's drafters gave consideration to the implied freedom of political communication under the Australian Constitution. The restrictions are targeted at commercial advertising rather than political or public interest communication about gambling.
Evidence review
How this differs from existing gambling advertising rules
Current Australian law already restricts some forms of gambling advertising, including a ban on gambling ads during live sports broadcasts between 5:00 am and 8:30 pm (with some exceptions). However, the existing rules do not comprehensively prohibit advertising of licensed interactive wagering services. The Chaney bill would go significantly further by establishing a general prohibition with limited exceptions, rather than the current approach of permitting advertising subject to time and content restrictions.
The bill targets 'licensed interactive wagering services' specifically — meaning services provided under a licence issued under state or territory law that allow Australians to place bets online or via telephone. This covers the major corporate bookmakers operating in Australia. The bill does not affect advertising for lotteries, keno or other gambling products regulated under separate frameworks.
Evidence review
Parliamentary status and political pathway
As a private member's bill, the Interactive Gambling Amendment (Stop the Gambling Ads) Bill 2026 does not have government backing. It was introduced by Kate Chaney, the independent Member for Curtin in Western Australia, on 30 March 2026. The bill was read a first time and the second reading was moved the same day, but no second reading debate has yet occurred.
Private member's bills face significant hurdles in the Australian Parliament. They rarely pass without government support, as the government controls the legislative agenda and the numbers on the floor of the House. Even if the bill were to pass the House of Representatives, it would also need to pass the Senate. The bill is listed as 'Before House of Representatives' and its progression depends on whether it is allotted parliamentary time for debate.
Common questions
Before you rely on the answer
Would the bill ban all gambling advertising?
No. The bill targets advertising of 'licensed interactive wagering services' — essentially online and phone-based betting services operated by corporate bookmakers. It does not cover advertising for lotteries, keno, or other gambling products regulated under different legislation. It also includes exceptions for political communication, harm-reduction messaging, and small community radio stations.
How long would the advertising industry have to adjust?
The bill proposes a phased implementation over three years. Small community radio services get an additional two-year exemption (five years total). The phase-in is designed to allow broadcasters, sporting organisations and wagering providers an orderly transition.
Why did Kate Chaney introduce this bill?
The bill responds to the 2023 Murphy Report, a parliamentary inquiry that found extensive evidence gambling advertising contributes to harm, including normalising gambling for children. As an independent MP, Chaney used the private member's bill mechanism to put the issue on the parliamentary agenda.
What is the current status of this bill?
As a private member's bill without government backing, the bill has not yet been scheduled for debate. It was introduced on 30 March 2026 and read a first time, with the second reading moved. Private member's bills require government or majority support to progress, and this bill is currently before the House of Representatives.
Source spine
Primary material used for this guide
Review trigger: When bill passes, is amended, or lapses.
Archive note: Based on bill as introduced. Check current status at aph.gov.au.
Primary links are provided without affiliate or tracking parameters. Confirm that the source still applies to the bill, sitting date, jurisdiction or reporting period before relying on it.