New restrictions relating to gambling advertising in live sport

Free TV Australia has conducted a review of the rules relating to the broadcasting of gambling and betting commercials and the promotion of odds in live sport (Gambling Provisions) in the Commercial Television Industry Code of Practice (Code). 

On 16 March 2018, Free TV Australia released its revised Code with new provisions that further restrict gambling advertising during live sports. The Code has been registered by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) and came into effect on 30 March 2018. 

We are focussed on ensuring that our Code meets community expectations, including in relation to gambling advertising. The new Commercial Television Code of Practice bans gambling advertising in live sport before 8.30pm, and during a five-minute buffer before and after the event. 

These new restrictions will prevent gambling advertising being broadcast during live sports at times that children are likely to be watching. 

For more information about the new restrictions on gambling advertising which commenced on 30 March 2018, please see the ACMA website. 

A copy of the new Code is available here.