Aussie TV industry needs betting advertising dollars says minister
News on 27 May 2013
News on 27 May 2013
As the industry chews over the latest limits proposed by the Australian Government on live-odds during TV sports, Communications Minister Stephen Conroy has come out saying the industry cannot afford to lose the estimated A$40 million per annum ad spend from betting companies as the debate over a total advertising ban continues.
Federal Parliament gambling antagonists that include Senator Nick Xenophon, Labour MP Stephen Jones and the Greens believe the Government has not gone far enough with the spruiking of odds ban and that it should have banned gambling advertisements during children’s television viewing time. “I retain my concerns and I’ll be perusing them with the Prime Minister today [Monday] and my caucus colleagues over the course of the week,” Jones told Fairfax Media.
Steve Allen, managing director of Fusion Strategy, an advertising market analytics firm, said the latest ban may reduce ad spend by as much as A$10 million.
Gambling firm advertising on player jerseys, venue signage and stadium naming rights are reportedly also under review by the New South Wales’ State Government reports The Brisbane Times with Gaming Minister George Souris saying measures were under consideration to address “gaping holes” left by the Federal Government’s initiative as generic gambling advertisements would still be allowed during half and quarter-time breaks. ”I do not believe it is enough to only ban live odds spruiking during broadcasts, but allow generic advertisements for corporate bookies during breaks in those broadcasts. I am calling for a total ban.”
Souris used the spotlight to additionally call for tough action on internet gambling describing it as an “even greater scourge, as there is almost no oversight whatsoever leaving adolescents and children vulnerable”.
But the prospect of further restrictions on advertising isn’t sitting well with Panthers Group chief executive Warren Wilson as National Rugby League Club Penrith Panthers assigned stadium naming rights to Centrebet for $1.5 million in a deal that runs to the end of 2015. ”That’s straight out of my pocket, the Panthers’ pocket, the first day they bring that rule in,” Wilson said. ”What are they giving me in compensation? Nothing. All they are doing is allowing offshore betting companies to bet on my product here and not get me a percentage.”
A quick poll run by The Brisbane Times Monday asking for votes on whether the Federal Government’s restrictions on sports betting go far enough revealed 11 percent of a total 2268 respondents responding Yes, 84 percent saying No and 5 percent not sure.
