August 14, 2026 — 5:52pm
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has declared that promotions used by betting companies to woo gamblers are over the top and must be wound back, signalling an about-face on gambling laws that will restrict how the industry uses free bonus bets and VIP managers.
Options being considered include a minimum age to receive promotions, banning predatory inducements and curbing the role of VIP agents and the way they receive commissions.
Albanese previously insisted the government had struck the right balance on its watered-down and delayed gambling reforms. Before the parliament took a break over winter, he told question time in early July that those seeking stronger action could take or leave the laws as they were.
But a Senate inquiry into the gambling legislation, which the government wanted to avoid, was held over the break and heard alarming testimony about gambling addicts being lured with drugs, escorts, free hotels, exclusive events and thousands of dollars in free bets.
