The Greens have offered the Albanese Government a pragmatic pathway to tackle the harms of gambling advertising with new laws this fortnight.

The Greens have released a letter sent to Communications Minister Michelle Rowland last week in which the party offered Labour a compromise: to ban gambling ads online, ban ads before and after sport and during kids viewing times, and to create a cap of 2 ads per television programme, mirroring the Government’s earlier position.

Greens Communications Spokesperson Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said:

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“Gambling ad reform is the unfinished business of this parliament. The public want this done before the election and the Government should listen and act.

“We’re offering a pragmatic pathway here and there is just enough time to get it done. On Wednesday, the Senate will debate and vote on the Greens’ bill to ban gambling ads. All sides should back it.

“We will support legislation this week to ban gambling ads online and implement some broadcast restrictions before and after sport and during kids viewing times.

“This offer is consistent with the Albanese Government’s previous promises.

“If the Government is serious about preventing gambling harm and protecting our kids they will jump at this offer.

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“Australians want gambling ads banned and stakeholders are desperate for action.

“The Albanese Government shouldn’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good. The Greens have compromised and Labor should too.

“The Greens will push for a full gambling ad ban in the next parliament but in the meantime we should work together for the sake of our kids and communities.

“Australians lose more to gambling than any other nation than earth and we need our politicians to act.”

Gambling law and regulation conference Regulating the Game has announced Donata Szabo, Regional Head of Licensing, Government & Regulatory Affairs – EMEA/APAC at Sportradar, as the third conference chair for its 2025 edition.

Szabo oversees regulatory and licensing efforts across the diverse EMEA/APAC regions at Sportradar, leveraging her global experience to offer insights into regulatory systems worldwide. “With a background in international and human rights law from the University of Cambridge, Donata’s unique blend of expertise will bring exceptional value to the conference,” organisers commented.

Szabo said: “I am pleased to be a part of Regulating the Game and contribute towards meaningful discussions on effective and innovative regulation as well as fostering global collaboration on safer gambling and regulatory excellence.”

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Szabo joins the following line-up of conference chairs:

Dr Marla Royne Stafford, Professor of Marketing at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas and expert in responsible gambling was the first Conference Chair announced.

Andrew W Scott, Vice Chairman and CEO of Inside Asian Gaming, brings nearly four decades of expertise in the gaming industry and a wealth of knowledge about Asia-Pacific markets.

Donata will be providing insights into global regulatory challenges and how technological advancements can help regulators create sustainable gaming markets through a session titled Improving Regulatory Performance with Modern Technology.

Paul Newson, Principal at Vanguard Overwatch, said: “The caliber of our Conference Chairs reflects the growing significance of Regulating the Game. Donata’s expertise, alongside Dr Stafford and Andrew W Scott, ensures the 2025 conference will be an extraordinary event, fostering critical conversations and driving innovation in gambling regulation.”

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Gambling law and regulation conference Regulating the Game announced an insightful session titled “Industry Collaborations in Research,” presented by Tracy Schrans, President of Focal Research Consultants.

This session will delve into findings from Focal Research’s groundbreaking collaboration with the University of Nevada, Las Vegas International Gaming Institute, addressing the critical question: Is there a right time to interact with players during a continuous play session?

The presentation will feature:

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• An in-depth analysis of real-world behavioural tracking data.

• Insights into who is more likely to engage in extended play sessions and why.

• Practical implications for safer gambling practices, including identifying optimal times for player interactions to prevent and minimise harm.

“While the findings challenge traditional assumptions about continuous play and risk, they provide invaluable guidance for shaping best practices around player interactions,” the organsers said.

Tracy Schrans, alongside Dr. Tony Schellinck, pioneered the use of player-tracking data to develop algorithms for detecting and managing customer risk and harm. As President of Focal Research Consultants, she leads innovative research and collaborates with global stakeholders to set new standards for responsible gambling. Her work has received international acclaim for leveraging data and technology to identify at-risk gamblers and implement harm mitigation strategies effectively.

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“Through research-driven insights, we can redefine when and how to engage with players in ways that prioritize their safety and well-being. This session highlights the power of collaboration between industry and academia to advance responsible gambling practices,” said Tracy Schrans.

Attendees will gain actionable insights into how cutting-edge research can drive more effective gambling harm prevention strategies. “This session is a must for industry leaders, regulators, and stakeholders seeking to enhance their understanding of player behavior and develop evidence-based solutions,” organisers said.

Regulating the Game is a flagship event, that brings together global leaders, regulators and industry professionals to tackle public policy and regulatory challenges. The conference fosters meaningful dialogue and innovation to support efficient and effective gambling regulation. The conference will be held at the Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour from March 10–13, 2025.