Anti-gambling Groups in Australia Say No to NDA on Betting Reform Brief

Australia’s Labor government faced criticism and scrutiny amid reports about a partial gambling ads ban. Earlier this week, crossbenchers raised their concerns about the potential ineffectiveness of a partial gambling ads ban on TV, despite initial talks about a blanket ban on such ads.

Local media reports suggested that Anthony Albanese’s government is exploring options about a gambling ads cap rather than an outright ban. Reportedly, gambling ads would not be permitted to air one hour before and after live sports events, while a cap of two gambling ads per hour would be enforced until 10 PM every day.

On the bright side, the proposal reportedly plans to ban online gambling ads. Yet, if this plan turns into reality, it is far from what was suggested after a gambling industry inquiry from last summer.

Albanese’s government once again faces criticism after invitations were sent to gambling harm advocates that included a lengthy non-disclosure agreement (NDA). Anti-gambling advocates were invited to a meeting on Friday but in order to attend, they must sign a 12-page NDA agreement which would legally prevent them from disclosing publicly information about the planned gambling reform, as suggested by a report released by the Guardian.

Several gambling harm advocates received invites earlier this week and each contained the mandatory NDA document. The Alliance for Gambling Reform was among the anti-gambling groups that were invited. Despite their eagerness to attend, the Alliance for Gambling Reform questioned the need for an NDA.

The Alliance for Gambling Reform Refuses to Sign the NDA

Tim Costello, the Alliance’s chief advocate said in an interview for the Guardian: “We’re not going to sign it.” He questioned the need to keep information confidential that already appeared through media outlets. Moreover, Costello said: “We are very happy to be briefed, but no we will not be signing a non-disclosure agreement.”

The exec said that after three decades in the gambling sector, this was the first time he had been asked to sign an NDA. The invitation to the upcoming meeting was sent after the Alliance for Gambling Reform wrote to Michelle Rowland, the communications minister, asking why major details regarding the ongoing gambling reform are not disclosed by the government but via the press.

The Albanese government was also criticized for discussing the upcoming changes to the gambling sector with betting and gaming companies before engaging in talks with anti-gambling groups. Ultimately, the overhaul of the sector seeks to help protect vulnerable individuals and decrease the millions of Australian dollars lost to gambling activities every month.