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Networks proceed with ban on live gambling odds

Commercial TV networks are finally moving on a ban of live odds being spruiked during sporting events.

vlcsnap-73762Commercial TV networks are finally moving on a ban of live odds being spruiked during sporting events.

This follows on-going criticism of gambling odds during sports events and discussions with government last June, which were due to be implemented at the end of 2012.

Free TV Australia has released a statement:

Free TV Australia is proposing to amend the Commercial Television Industry Code of Practice (the Code) to reduce and control the promotion of live odds during the broadcast of live sporting events.

Under the Code, the promotion of live odds during play will be banned. Commentators and their guests will also be prohibited from promoting live odds during a game, as well as for 30 minutes before and after the game.

The proposed amendments are now available for public comment.

Commercial television content is regulated under the Code which has been developed by Free TV Australia in consultation with the public and has been registered with the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).

The proposed amendments to the Code reflect an agreement reached between the Government and commercial radio, commercial television and subscription broadcasters to reduce and control the promotion of live odds during the broadcast of sporting events.

The closing date for public comment on the proposed amendments to the Code is 5pm 20 May 2013 and submissions may be sent to Free TV Australia by:
– Post to: 44 Avenue Road, Mosman NSW 2088
– Fax to: (02) 9969 3520
– Email to: [email protected]

A copy of the proposed amendments to the Code and the review documents are available on the Free TV Australia website www.freetv.com.au

15 Responses

  1. Yeah, don’t get too excited. This appears to be only about preventing commentators and “guests” such as Waterhouse from advertising odds during actual play. You can bet your bottom dollar (ha ha) that there will still be plenty of ads for sports gambling in the commercial breaks, on signage at the sporting ground, and superimposed on the field of play.

    Nonetheless, it’s a step in the right direction.

  2. Am I the only one who thinks that a blanket ban on all gambling promotion during televised sport is the only sensible solution?
    And it won’t be Free TV that will do it – it will be the government. And successive governments would appear addicted to taxes on gambling revenue so nothing will change except perhaps Tom W won’t be talking odds but he’ll still be on the panel.

  3. They must ban the commercials as well just heard on the radio that all forms of gambling is banned during g rated programming which AFL Footabll is but their is an exemption for this

  4. Pays to read the thing very carefully. It really only applies to commentators during the run of play.

    You can have promotions from betting company reps during scheduled breaks in play and suspensions of play.

    Just saying.

  5. “to reduce and control the promotion of live odds during the broadcast of sporting events” seems a long way from “ban”.
    So FreeTV, which is some mouthpiece funded by the networks (except WIN) is telling the networks not to do something?
    “Reduce”. Now there’ll be only 10 mins/hr, not 15mins.
    ACMA. Your silence is deafening.

  6. Interestingly, the Industry wordage does not refer to commercial breaks.
    I will bet that we will continue to see ‘Munsie’ & ‘Tommy’ in the commercial breaks. Even money favourite!!

  7. Glad to hear this, a friends young sons ask their Dad before any games what are the odds and who do they have as first try scorer.

    Now if they can place a reduction on the number of funeral/life plan adds that would be great also.

  8. So that would include commercials etc. The cricket gambling adds are the worst especially on channel 9.

    What about foxtel they have them as well

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