Following our ongoing advocacy regarding gambling advertising, harm minimisation and the broader influence of gambling within our political and social systems, both the Queensland and Federal Governments have recently announced reform packages aimed at reducing harm and strengthening support services.
As previously raised, gambling continues to have significant social, financial and emotional impacts across Queensland and Australia. Queenslanders reportedly lose approximately $6 billion to gambling each year, while one in three Australian children aged 12 to 17 have already gambled, increasing to one in two for 18- to 19-year-olds. Gambling harm is also linked to financial hardship, declining mental health and domestic violence, alongside growing exposure of young people to gambling advertising and gambling-style mechanics through online games and apps such as Roblox.
These issues have underpinned our continued advocacy for stronger reform, including a parliamentary speech in December 2025. While recent announcements are positive steps, there are remaining concerns whether they go far enough in addressing the drivers of gambling harm.
Queensland Government Reforms
The Queensland Government recently announced its Gambling Harm Action Plan 2026–2028, including:
- approximately $17 million per year toward additional harm minimisation strategies
- specialist gambling financial counsellors to support vulnerable Queenslanders
- broader education, prevention and support initiatives
While increased support services are welcome, broader issues such as gambling accessibility and advertising exposure, particularly on state-owned facilities and public transport, remain unresolved.
For further information on the Queensland Government’s Gambling Harm Action Plan, visit
www.publications.qld.gov.au/dataset/gambling-harm-minimisation-materials
Federal Government Reforms
The Federal Government also announced reforms in response to the You Win Some You Lose Some report.
These include:
- restrictions on gambling advertisements during sports games, on jerseys and in stadiums
- opt-out options for some online advertising
- restrictions on influencers, including athletes and podcasters promoting gambling
- banning online keno-type games and mobile ‘pocket pokies’
- tighter controls around inducement-style advertising, including ‘bonus bets’, ‘enhanced odds’ and ‘cash backs’
These measures represent progress, however stronger national action is still being called for, particularly around advertising, online access and inducement-based marketing.
For further information on the Federal Government’s gambling reforms, visit https://ministers.dss.gov.au/media-releases/18841
Youth exposure and online platforms
As previously discussed, young Australians are also increasingly being exposed to gambling-style behaviours through online games and digital platforms.
Recent updates to Roblox, including age-gated child and teen accounts, stronger parental controls and tighter chat restrictions, are positive steps. However, wider questions remain around exposure to risk-based gaming systems and interactions in online environments.
Ongoing advocacy
While both state and federal announcements represent positive movement in this space, further work is needed.
We will continue advocating for practical reforms that reduce gambling harm, particularly around youth exposure, advertising, and stronger prevention measures, and will provide updates as further announcements are made.
Further information
To advocate directly with the Queensland Attorney-General regarding Queensland gambling reform matters, please email attorney.general@ministerial.qld.gov.au and remember to copy our office via noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au, as well forward us any responses you receive.
To advocate directly with the Federal Minister regarding federal gambling reforms, please email anika.wells.mp@aph.gov.au and copy our office via noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au, as well forward us any responses you receive.
For previous updates and advocacy matters, visit:
www.sandybolton.com/noosa360