Australia has launched a new opt-out registry for gambling advertising.

The proposal still needs to clear parliament before being ratified and enacted. The Wagering Advertising Opt-out Register is a key part of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's broad initiative to enhance the Interactive Gambling Act and provide greater consumer protection. While some voices continue to demand a total ban on gambling advertising, the Interactive Gambling (Cost Recovery Levy) Bill 2026, introduced on Monday, seeks a middle path between those advocating for moderation and those who view any concession as a retreat. The bill states:

Lawmakers are banking on the registry to serve as a unified system where players can opt out of receiving ads, enhancing their protection. The bill also takes aim at inducement-based marketing, requiring operators to pinpoint at-risk customers and banning certain commission-based referral arrangements. Another shift is that the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) will not only enforce rules but also recover costs linked to those enforcement activities. These new measures will be financed by licensed operators, with sports wagering providers facing a new levy to support the registry.