Interactive Gambling Amendment (Gambling Reform) Bill 2026

Stage by Stage

Summaries in reported speech - not a transcript. In date order, both chambers.

1. Thursday 2 July 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The Minister for Sport and Communications moved the second reading of the bill, which introduces comprehensive reforms to reduce gambling harm. Key measures include banning gambling advertising during live sports, capping broadcast ads, restricting online ads, and prohibiting influencers from promoting gambling. The legislation also targets illegal offshore operators, strengthens the BetStop exclusion register, bans online keno and foreign matched lotteries, and regulates trade promotion lotteries. The debate was adjourned following the Minister's speech.

   Outcome: The debate was adjourned.

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2. Wednesday 12 August 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate centered on the Interactive Gambling Amendment (Gambling Reform) Bill 2026 and the National Self-exclusion Register (Cost Recovery Levy) Amendment Bill 2026, with Government members supporting the measures as significant steps to reduce harm by restricting live sport advertising and strengthening BetStop. Opposition and independent members, including Kate Chaney and Sophie Scamps, criticized the legislation as insufficient for failing to implement key Murphy report recommendations such as a national regulator, a total advertising ban, and the prohibition of inducements. While the Minister for Sport extended the debate to allow further speeches, the House ultimately adjourned at 22:03 without a recorded vote on the bills.

   Outcome: The House adjourned at 22:03.

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3. Thursday 13 August 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   Members debated the government's gambling reform package, which aimed to restrict advertising, ban online keno, and strengthen consumer protections. Labor members supported the bill as a necessary step to break the link between sport and gambling, while opposition and independent members argued it was insufficient regarding advertising caps, streaming loopholes, and the lack of a ban on inducements. The Minister defended the legislation as the strongest action to date, highlighting measures to restrict advertising, strengthen the BetStop register, and fund awareness campaigns through industry levies. Critics highlighted the delay in responding to the Murphy report and raised concerns about the impact on the racing industry and specific businesses like foreign matched lotteries.

   Outcome: The Minister indicated that amendments would be considered the following week.

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4. Tuesday 18 August 2026 · House of Representatives

   Consideration in Detail

   The House considered amendments to the Interactive Gambling Amendment (Gambling Reform) Bill 2026, with the government moving changes to strengthen advertising blackouts and ban activity-based commissions. The opposition and crossbench members, including Monique Ryan, Kate Chaney, Helen Haines, and Allegra Spender, proposed stricter measures such as total advertising bans, opt-in models, and new regulatory frameworks, which the Minister for Sport and Communications opposed. All crossbench and independent amendments were negatived or defeated in divisions, while some government amendments were passed. The bill, as amended by the government, was ultimately agreed to.

   Outcome: The bill, as amended, was agreed to.

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5. Tuesday 18 August 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading
   See who spoke

6. Tuesday 18 August 2026 · House of Representatives

   Third Reading
   See who spoke

7. Wednesday 19 August 2026 · Senate

   First Reading
   See who spoke

8. Wednesday 19 August 2026 · Senate

   In Committee

   The Senate debated amendments to the Interactive Gambling Amendment (Gambling Reform) Bill 2026, focusing on proposals for a phased advertising ban and the establishment of a national gambling regulator. Senator David Pocock and Greens senators argued for stricter measures based on the Murphy report, while the government defended the legislation as a balanced approach that maintained industry viability. Critics highlighted concerns regarding inadequate protection for vulnerable Australians and insufficient regulatory enforcement capabilities. The government maintained that existing reforms and enhanced powers for the Australian Communications and Media Authority were sufficient to reduce harm.

   Outcome: The amendments were not passed, with a division result of 11 in favour and 29 against.

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9. Wednesday 19 August 2026 · Senate

   Limitation of Debate

   The Senate considered detailed amendments to three gambling reform bills under time limits. The Australian Greens moved extensive amendments to ban wagering advertising content, prohibit wagering inducements such as sign-up bonuses, and restrict gambling ads on SBS. Senator David Pocock opposed specific sections regarding notable persons and record-keeping. The Jacqui Lambie Network proposed regulating gambling-like elements in computer games, requiring R18+ classification for loot boxes. Most Greens amendments were defeated, while some were passed. The Jacqui Lambie Network amendment was negatived.

   Outcome: Division 6 was not passed (11-24), Division 7 was not passed (11-24), Division 8 was passed (29-13), Division 10 was not passed (12-32), Division 11 was passed (32-9), Division 12 was not passed (10-30), Division 13 was passed (39-21), Division 14 was not passed (21-39), Division 15 was passed (31-12), Division 16 was not passed (12-28), and Division 17 was passed (37-13).

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10. Wednesday 19 August 2026 · Senate

    Second Reading

    The Senate debated a package of bills aimed at reducing gambling harm through advertising restrictions and enhanced enforcement, with the government and coalition supporting the legislation for its bipartisan safeguards. The Greens, an independent senator, and a crossbench Liberal senator opposed the bills, arguing they failed to implement key Murphy report recommendations such as a total advertising ban and a national regulator. Senator Pocock moved a second reading amendment calling for a conscience vote to highlight these deficiencies, while the Nationals acknowledged the bill's imperfections but emphasized balancing harm reduction with personal responsibility. The debate concluded with Senator Scarr announcing he would cross the floor to support the amendments.

    Outcome: Senator Scarr announced he would cross the floor to support the amendments.

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