Pocock Says Labor’s Gambling Bill Falls Short
Independent Senator David Pocock has criticised the Australian government’s proposed gambling reforms as the legislation moves to the Senate.
The Interactive Gambling Amendment (Gambling Reform) Bill 2026 passed the House of Representatives by 103 votes to 14 on August 18, 2026. The Coalition is expected to support the bill in the Senate.
The measures include limits on gambling advertising, restrictions on commissions linked to customer activity and a national register that would allow people to opt out of online wagering ads. Betting operators would fund the register through a levy.
David Pocock, independent senator, warned:
Australians would be hugely disappointed.
Pocock argued that the government had ignored key recommendations from the 2023 You Win Some, You Lose More report. The parliamentary inquiry called for a complete ban on online gambling advertising and stronger national controls.
Labor rejected the proposed full ban in its formal response to the report. Instead, its bill would allow up to three gambling ads per hour on television during certain periods and introduce an opt-out system for online advertising.
The government has described the measures as a major step against gambling harm. Pocock said they represent only limited reform and fail to provide the protections recommended by the inquiry.
