Gambling advocates seek stronger age checks for online betting services

Gambling reform advocates have asked a Senate committee to extend stronger age-assurance requirements to online betting services. They argued that protections proposed for pornography services should also help prevent children accessing wagering platforms.

The proposal was raised during examination of the Digital Duty of Care Bill. It is an argument for changes to draft legislation, not confirmation that parliament has passed a new restriction or that a new rule is already operating.

The Alliance for Gambling Reform said wagering is an adult service with potential harm to teenagers' mental health and family relationships. It wants online betting services expressly included so that available age-checking technology is used to keep children out.

Evidence to the committee included accounts of teenagers viewing betting odds together and using accounts created by older friends. A campaigner described school visits in which some young people reported betting-related problems. Those accounts illustrate concerns but are not a national prevalence survey.

The debate also distinguishes opening an account from simply browsing a betting website and becoming familiar with gambling. Advocates say both deserve attention when designing child protections. The committee's review continues, and the suggested approach remains a policy proposal rather than a final legal requirement.