Australia Labor caucus approves gambling reform deal
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The gist
Australia's Labor caucus approved a gambling reform deal with the Coalition, creating a national opt-out register for online wagering ads. The deal aims to pass parliament this week, but Greens.
Background
The Australian government has been working on gambling advertising reforms following a parliamentary inquiry that recommended a complete phase-out of gambling ads over three years. Labor and the Coalition have reached a tentative agreement on a compromise: a single national register allowing Australians to opt out of wagering ads online, along with restrictions on inducements targeting vulnerable gamblers. The deal still needs final approval from Labor's caucus and the Coalition's party room before being moved in parliament.
How it unfolded
- Mon 17 Aug 2026Labor and the Coalition briefed committees on agreed amendments, including a national opt-out register for online gambling ads.
- Mon 17 Aug 2026 21:30 BSTGreens senator Sarah Hanson-Young criticized the opt-out proposal, saying it shows Labor 'don't know how the internet works'.
- recentlyLabor's caucus approved the deal, moving it closer to a vote in parliament.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- The government says the opt-out register will give Australians a 'one-stop shop' to block gambling ads online.
- Greens
- Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young called the bill a 'smokescreen' and said the opt-out system doesn't account for how the internet works.
- Analysts
- Some analysts question whether an opt-out register will provide enough protection compared to a complete ban.
Still unverified
Government sources have conceded the opt-out register would be a complex measure, but details on how it would work have not been explained.