Anti-gambling advocates and public health experts want restrictions on gambling advertising. 

A parliamentary inquiry has heard powerful evidence of community harm, with further restrictions on gambling advertisements before and after live sport broadcasts expected to be recommended.

The idea of curbing gambling ads has garnered bipartisan support. 

Opposition leader Peter Dutton and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese have both expressed their dislike for the ads. However, some in the industry are likely to push back, warning of potential cuts to grassroots sports and free coverage if advertising revenue drops.

Since the inquiry's launch in 2022, community opposition to the ads has intensified. 

A recent survey of 3,000 AFL fans revealed that gambling ads were their top concern, with a majority supporting an outright ban. 

While MPs across all sides of politics back a ban, it is unlikely to be implemented.

Prominent anti-gambling campaigner Tim Costello compared gambling advertising to the now-banned tobacco advertising and advocated for a prohibition on gambling ads. 

Other experts, such as gambling researcher Charles Livingstone and gambling and health researcher Samantha Thomas, recommend phasing out advertising over time and treating gambling as a public health issue.

Shane Lucas, leader of the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation, says there is clear community desire for increased protection of children and young adults from gambling promotions. 

Some gambling companies, including Tabcorp, have acknowledged the shift in public sentiment and pledged to restrict ads voluntarily.

Campaigners argue that restricting ads is a straightforward reform, but more challenging changes may include establishing a national online gambling regulator with greater resources and power. 

The Australian government has already made some changes, such as banning credit card use for online gambling and updating warning slogans in advertisements.

The parliamentary inquiry, which has received 150 submissions, is finalising its report and recommendations on online betting and its impact on gambling harm. 

The gambling industry, valued at $50 billion, faces uncertainty as the calls for stricter restrictions grow louder.