TV and radio networks have agreed to reduce the promotion of live odds during sports broadcasts.
The federal government has successfully sought an agreement with Free TV, the Australian Subscription Television and Radio Association and Commercial Radio Australia to reduce and control live odds which includes banning commentators from mentioning them.
Federal Communications Minister Stephen Conroy said: “The Gillard Government understands that the promotion of live odds during sports broadcasts can contribute to the encouragement of gambling, particularly amongst vulnerable people including children.
“Broadcasters have agreed to amend their existing codes of practice to restrict live odds during promotion, including by banning sporting commentators from mentioning live odds and banning all live odds promotion during play.”
The amendments to the code will be developed by the broadcasters in consultation with the Australian Communications and Media Authority. The change are expected to come into effect before the end of the year.
Conroy added: “The states and territories have also committed to look at the steps they can take to limit promotion of live odds at sporting grounds, such as on scoreboards or by ground announcers.”
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