Government Announces Ban on Gambling Advertising Across Public Transport Network
The New South Wales (NSW) government has unveiled plans to prohibit all forms of gambling advertising on public transport across the state.
The ban, confirmed by Liquor & Gaming New South Wales, will apply to advertisements promoting casinos, lotteries, and online betting. It will cover trains, metro services, buses, light rail, and advertising spaces at train stations and ferry terminals.
Scope of the Ban
The new regulation will affect all advertising assets owned and controlled by Transport for NSW, which operates a significant portfolio of advertising spaces. These include:
- 798 advertising boards at Sydney train stations
- 49 road-facing digital billboards
- Advertisements on up to 3,711 urban buses and 76 trams
- The Tangara train fleet
The government will collaborate with advertising contract holders to ensure compliance with the new regulations over the next 12 months. Suppliers of advertising materials must adhere to all applicable laws when implementing the required changes.
This measure builds on existing restrictions on Transport for NSW advertising contracts, which already prohibit political advertising across all assets. The government also intends to work with operators of non-Transport assets—such as bus stops, retail outlets, and privately owned spaces near transport hubs—to align with the policy.
Addressing Gambling Harm in NSW
Minister for Transport Jo Haylen highlighted that the decision is part of a broader effort to minimise gambling-related harm in the state.
“Gambling advertising has been a common sight on our public transport for a couple of years now,” Haylen stated. “I’m pleased our government is taking action to remove it. Parents are rightly worried about the impact it has on their kids, so it’s not something that we think needs to be on our transport network.”
Haylen acknowledged the scale of Transport’s advertising network and noted that the transition would take time but affirmed that the government would work closely with contract holders to implement the changes over the next year.
Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris also endorsed the ban, emphasising its role in reducing public exposure to gambling promotions.
“This move will reduce the public’s exposure to gambling advertising and builds on the suite of reforms the government has introduced over the past 20 months to reduce harmful impacts of gambling,” Harris said.
Ongoing Gambling Reforms by the Minns Government
Since taking office in April 2023, the Minns Labour government has implemented several measures to regulate gambling advertisements and practices.
Key initiatives include:
- A ban on all external gambling signage at pubs and clubs across NSW
- Restrictions on the placement of gambling machine advertisements near ATMs inside gaming venues
- A requirement for ATMs to be located at least five metres away from gaming rooms and out of sight from gaming machines
- A reduction in the cash input limit for new gaming machines from $5,000 to $500
- A ban on political donations from clubs operating electronic gaming machines
These measures align with the government’s broader commitment to addressing the social impacts of gambling and reducing harm across the state.
