Media Release

Government achieves agreement to reduce the promotion of live odds in sports broadcasts

The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, today announced that the Government has secured the agreement of commercial and subscription broadcasters to reduce and control the promotion of live odds during sports broadcasts.

The agreement is the result of Government negotiations with peak industry bodies Free TV Australia, Commercial Radio Australia and the Australian Subscription Television and Radio Association.

"The Gillard Government understands that the promotion of live odds during sports broadcasts can contribute to the encouragement of gambling, particularly amongst vulnerable people including children," Senator Conroy said.

"Broadcasters have agreed to amend their existing codes of practice to restrict live odds promotion, including by banning sporting commentators from mentioning live odds and banning all live odds promotion during play.

"The principles that will underpin these restrictions are expected to be finalised in the coming weeks.

"Code amendments based on the Government's agreed principles will be developed by broadcasters in consultation with the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) and we expect to see them registered by the end of the year.

"Broadcasters will comply with the provisions from the date of registration.

"The Government will continue to monitor developments in this area, including through the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) Select Council on Gambling Reform.

"The states and territories have also committed to look at the steps they can take to limit promotion of live odds at sporting grounds, such as on scoreboards or by ground announcers," Senator Conroy said.