Commercial radio broadcasters today criticised an attempt by the Labor Party to amend the Interactive Gambling Bill to phase out and ban advertising of betting odds and gambling commercials during live sporting broadcasts.
 
Joan Warner, the chief executive officer of peak industry body Commercial Radio Australia, described the move as “unnecessary and counterproductive”.
 
“There has been no consultation with the industry,” Ms Warner said.
 
“Advertising around sports broadcasting is already heavily regulated through the Live Odds Code which was introduced in 2013. 

“The industry worked closely with ACMA to develop the codes to ensure they met community expectations. Given there have been no complaints on this topic, any further restrictions cannot be justified.”