The New South Wales (NSW) Government in Australia has announced plans to phase out gambling ads from its public transport network.
The move is designed to decrease the prevalence of gambling promotions and aligns with appeals for stricter gambling regulations in the state.
Previously, similar measures were implemented in Victoria in 2017, with the ban extending to trains, buses, ferries, and public sector stations. It’s unclear how privately owned infrastructure will respond, but managers have been encouraged to comply with the new measures voluntarily. This includes bus stops, retail outlets, and nearby private properties.
The NSW transport system features around 800 advertising boards at train stations, and upwards of 3,700 placements on buses and other spaces for advertising.
The Ministers for Transport and Gaming exchanged views on the ban, with Transport Minister Jo Haylen raising the concerns voiced by parents worried about the impact the advertising has on kids. However, the Gaming Minister, David Harris, cautioned against expecting to change a culture built up over decades overnight.
The broader context of the ban includes fears over underage gambling in casinos. Liquor & Gaming NSW launched a compliance operation in December 2024 to apply stricter ID checks and penalties for breaches. There has also been criticism of the Labor government for delaying national gambling reforms, indicating the tenor of the debate is increasing.
The impact of gambling remains a talking point in the state with a 2024 survey indicating one in five respondents experienced harm from gambling.
