Former SBS chair George Savvides has urged commercial broadcasters to give online viewers the power to block gambling advertisements. He argued that Australians need stronger protection from what he described as an addictive and destructive product. Savvides also called on the Albanese government to act on a parliamentary inquiry’s recommendations for a phased ban on gambling ads.

SBS made global headlines in 2024 when it became the first television broadcaster to trial an opt-out feature for gambling, alcohol, and fast food promotions on its streaming platform. Earlier this month, the broadcaster confirmed that the option will become permanent in 2026.

Calls for Broadcasters to Follow SBS

Savvides said there was no justification for commercial networks to resist such measures, particularly given the volume of gambling promotions during live sport coverage. He argued that viewers of other networks face a significantly larger advertising load per hour filled with gambling ads, creating widespread dissatisfaction.

According to Savvides, SBS’s trial had a noticeable impact. Viewers who logged into the On Demand platform could fill out a form to opt-out of certain advertising categories, which led to a 45% reduction in complaints. 

Public health experts and advocacy groups have echoed Savvides’s concerns. Tim Costello, chief advocate at the Alliance for Gambling Reform, said gambling promotions are reaching children and causing community harm.

Government Faces Pressure Over Delayed Action

The Albanese government has yet to formally respond to the inquiry into online wagering despite receiving recommendations over two years ago. Plans to legislate before the next federal election were dropped following opposition from broadcasters, sporting codes, and bookmakers. Communications minister Anika Wells has since restarted talks with the industry, and gambling sources told Guardian Australia they expect legislation to be introduced before the end of the year.

Critics, however, say the government has been too slow. Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja said gambling advertising must be decoupled from sport to protect young people. “I cannot watch an NRL game without getting odds right before a game,” he said.

Advertising Concerns Continue Around Sport

Despite the trial, SBS has not been free from criticism. In 2023, the broadcaster apologised for breaching rules by airing gambling ads during FIFA World Cup coverage. Director of corporate affairs Clare O’Neil confirmed that other breaches were later identified and reported to the regulator.

Reports show Australians lose more money to gambling annually than the $28.3 billion the federal government spends on aged care. For advocates such as Savvides, viewers should at least be given the choice to block gambling ads while a broader national ban remains under debate.