Aussie media watchdog proposes further restrictions on gambling ads

A new Commercial Television Industry Code of Practice (TICP) was registered by the Australian Communications and Media Authority(ACMA) this week extending gambling advertising bans across free-to-air television multi-channels.

The initial TICP proposal was submitted to the ACMA by Free TV Australia, an industry group that represents commercial free-to-air broadcasters.

“The code now reflects the contemporary media environment, is expressed in a user-friendly and simpler form and, importantly, contains a package of community safeguards appropriate in this new environment,” ACMA Chairman, Chris Chapman said.

The new code enforces a ban on gambling ads, effective December 1, 2015, in any programme classified G, C or P between 6.00 am and 8.30 am and between 4.00 pm and 7.00 pm as well as during any program broadcast between 5.00 am and 8.30 pm which is principally directed to children.

Additional restrictions apply during live sporting events, generally once play has commenced:

– promotion of odds is prohibited; and

– commercials for betting and gambling that do not mention odds are only permitted during scheduled or unscheduled breaks.

Some exceptions apply for long form sports such as cricket, tennis, golf, or the Olympics, where limited promotions of odds are permitted during play, subject to strict requirements.

The full code can be accessed here: http://www.freetv.com.au/media/Code_of_Practice/Free_TV_Commercial_Television_Industry_Code_of_Practice_2015.pdf