Labor’s gambling reform friendless as Coalition withholds support amid drug and sex worker allegations

What it is about

Who published it, and when

How it spread - 49 original reports, 63 reprints

1. Wed, 5 August 2026

   1 report
   • The Guardian World07:50
     Labor’s gambling reform friendless as Coalition withholds support amid drug and sex worker allegations

     Sarah Henderson says bill ignores gambling inducements, uniting parties and independents against controversial legislation Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast Labor will be forced to make major changes to its planned crackdown on online gambling advertising, as the Coalition, Greens and independents demand tougher rules to stop betting companies offering generous inducements as well as further limits on broadcast...

2. Thu, 6 August 2026

   3 reports
   • The Guardian World08:10
     Labor faces fierce backlash from gambling giants as Coalition and Greens push for new controls on inducements

     Despite reports the PM wants Labor’s bill to be passed in full or withdrawn, Anika Wells insists she is prepared to negotiate Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast Labor will face strong opposition from gambling giants if it accedes to Coalition and Greens demands for a tough new ban on financial inducements for betting, part of closely watched Senate dealmaking expected within days. Despite reports on Thursday that...

   • ABC News (Australia)18:44
     Growing number of Labor MPs call for tougher gambling reforms

     The Albanese government faces internal pressure to strengthen its gambling reforms, with more MPs calling for sweeping amendments.

   • wellingtontimes.com.au23:35first to report
     Backbencher push for gambling laws to be strengthened

     Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles has labelled Labor's gambling reforms as the strongest put to parliament, but some...

     12 reprints

     • theleader.com.au6 Aug, 23:35their copy
     • tenterfieldstar.com.au6 Aug, 23:35their copy
     • redlandcitybulletin.com.au6 Aug, 23:35their copy
     • westernadvocate.com.au6 Aug, 23:35their copy
     • dailyliberal.com.au6 Aug, 23:35their copy
     • mandurahmail.com.au6 Aug, 23:35their copy
     • portnews.com.au6 Aug, 23:35their copy
     • northerndailyleader.com.au6 Aug, 23:35their copy
     • ulladullatimes.com.au6 Aug, 23:35their copy
     • standard.net.au6 Aug, 23:35their copy
     • crookwellgazette.com.au6 Aug, 23:35their copy
     • illawarramercury.com.au6 Aug, 23:35their copy
3. Fri, 7 August 2026

   1 report
   • ABC News (Australia)19:00
     Albanese returns to a gambling debate ready to catch fire

     The explosive evidence heard at a two-day inquiry into Labor's proposed crackdown on wagering advertising has proved a watershed moment for the increasingly friendless bill.

4. Sat, 8 August 2026

   1 report
   • begadistrictnews.com.au19:30edited after publishing
     Gambling showdown looms: Labor MPs now urging govt to get tougher on gambling

     previouslyACT Labor backbencher finds key ally in push for tougher gambling laws

     Alicia Payne wants to strengthen proposed national laws.

     1 reprint

     • batemansbaypost.com.au8 Aug, 19:30their copy
5. Sun, 9 August 2026

   5 reports
   • ABC News (Australia)00:42edited after publishing
     Greens draw firm line on betting perks

     previouslyGreens draw betting perk line ahead of gambling showdown

     The Greens are not prepared to vote on the government's gambling legislation, outlining some of their main concerns around "predatory" behaviour.

   • queanbeyanage.com.au02:20
     'Do it ourselves': ultimatum for Labor on gambling laws

     A red line has been drawn on a key sticking point in negotiations over Labor's contentious gambling reforms...

     10 reprints

     • cessnockadvertiser.com.au9 Aug, 02:20their copy
     • southernhighlandnews.com.au9 Aug, 02:20their copy
     • oberonreview.com.au9 Aug, 02:20their copy
     • yasstribune.com.au9 Aug, 02:20their copy
     • irrigator.com.au9 Aug, 02:20their copy
     • maitlandmercury.com.au9 Aug, 02:20their copy
     • northweststar.com.au9 Aug, 02:20their copy
     • camdencourier.com.au9 Aug, 02:20their copy
     • cootamundraherald.com.au9 Aug, 02:20their copy
     • gloucesteradvocate.com.au9 Aug, 02:20their copy
   • The Guardian World03:58
     Labor open to ‘sensible amendments’ to gambling laws after inquiry hears alcohol and cocaine offered to punters

     Sources say Albanese government willing to tighten rules on betting inducements but less likely to budge on TV and online advertisements Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast The Albanese government is prepared to tighten rules on gambling inducements, but is less likely to budge on advertising rules, as negotiations continue on wagering legislation, which so far has lacked the support needed to pass parliament....

   • afr.com12:30edited after publishing
     Widow tax, migration, gambling and Tomago set to dominate parliament

     previouslyParliament return: From the widow tax to gambling ad bans and the Tomago smelter bailout, what to expect this week

   • theguardian.com15:00
     As gambling reforms face pressure from all sides, will Labor hold ’em, fold ’em or walk away?

     Stronger action on inducements would be popular with voters – but crossbenchers fear ad reforms are worse than the status quo

6. Mon, 10 August 2026

   5 reports
   • narrominenewsonline.com.au05:51
     Talks leave Labor odds-on to win gambling reform stoush

     Contentious gambling reforms are on track to pass parliament with bipartisan support, despite fears from opponents the changes...

     6 reprints

     • greatlakesadvocate.com.au10 Aug, 05:51their copy
     • areanews.com.au10 Aug, 05:51their copy
     • goulburnpost.com.au10 Aug, 05:51their copy
     • begadistrictnews.com.au10 Aug, 05:51their copy
     • mudgeeguardian.com.au10 Aug, 05:51their copy
     • oberonreview.com.au10 Aug, 05:51their copy
   • The Guardian World06:14
     Albanese gives ground on gambling inducements as Labor and Coalition inch towards deal

     Prime minister and opposition leader meet in Canberra to advance agreement on gambling advertising Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast Anthony Albanese has bowed to pressure and will limit gambling inducements as part of a deal between Labor and Angus Taylor, even as some Liberals warn it might not do enough to help vulnerable people. The prime minister and the opposition leader met in Canberra on Monday to...

   • camdencourier.com.au17:33
     'Back to work': Labor to lock in gambling, NDIS changes

     URL changednow www.camdencourier.com.au/story/9327742/gambling-reform-deal-edges-closer-as-division-remains/

     Federal parliament returns with contentious changes to gambling laws, media funding and the NDIS expected to pass after...

     1 reprint

     • wellingtontimes.com.au10 Aug, 17:33their copy
   • perthnow.com.au17:35edited after publishing
     Gambling reform deal edges closer as division remains

     previously'Back to work': Labor to lock in gambling, NDIS changes

     Labor is confident of securing a deal for controversial gambling reforms, despite concerns the measures do not go far enough to reduce harm.

   • easternriverinachronicle.com.au23:38
     Labor gambling reforms set to pass as winter break ends

     URL changednow www.easternriverinachronicle.com.au/story/9327742/gambling-reform-deal-edges-closer-as-division-remains/

     Parliament is returning with government deals expected to see contentious changes to gambling advertising, media funding and NDIS...

     3 reprints

     • examiner.com.au10 Aug, 23:38their copy
     • edenmagnet.com.au10 Aug, 23:38their copy
     • bunburymail.com.au10 Aug, 23:38their copy
7. Tue, 11 August 2026

   4 reports
   • thecourier.com.au03:38
     Labor's gambling reform push stokes divide in coalition

     URL changednow www.thecourier.com.au/story/9327742/gambling-reform-deal-edges-closer-as-division-remains/

     The coalition is still debating amendments to Australia's controversial gambling laws, with Labor aiming to get them passed...

     1 reprint

     • hepburnadvocate.com.au11 Aug, 03:38their copy
   • The Guardian World08:55edited after publishing
     Coalition divided over tougher gambling laws – with MPs warning Angus Taylor against overreach

     Some Liberal and National MPs warn against overregulation in party-room discussion, while others argue for more stringent rules Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast Coalition MPs have warned the opposition leader, Angus Taylor, not to overreach in talks with Anthony Albanese on Labor’s gambling advertising crackdown , insisting rules that are too stringent would not strike the right balance on personal...

   • tenterfieldstar.com.au19:00
     'Disappointing': addiction expert slams gambling reform

     URL changednow www.tenterfieldstar.com.au/story/9328628/labor-referred-to-corruption-body-over-gambling-donors/

     An addiction medicine specialist says the Albanese government's proposed gambling reforms are ineffective as support grows for stronger...

     6 reprints

     • easternriverinachronicle.com.au11 Aug, 19:00their copy
     • bordermail.com.au11 Aug, 19:00their copy
     • juneesoutherncross.com.au11 Aug, 19:00their copy
     • goulburnpost.com.au11 Aug, 19:00their copy
     • nvi.com.au11 Aug, 19:00their copy
     • greatlakesadvocate.com.au11 Aug, 19:00their copy
   • ABC News (Australia)19:00
     VIP gambling perks targeted as Labor, Coalition edge toward deal

     Labor and the Coalition have held a second round of "constructive" talks on the federal government's proposal to restrict gambling advertising, making a major party deal likely.

8. Wed, 12 August 2026

   1 report
   • theadvocate.com.au05:34
     Labor referred to corruption body over gambling donors

     Independent MPs have called out the federal government for taking donations from gambling companies as negotiations continue on...

     10 reprints

     • narrominenewsonline.com.au12 Aug, 05:34their copy
     • edenmagnet.com.au12 Aug, 05:34their copy
     • theleader.com.au12 Aug, 05:34their copy
     • tenterfieldstar.com.au12 Aug, 05:34their copy
     • macleayargus.com.au12 Aug, 05:34their copy
     • canberratimes.com.au12 Aug, 05:34their copy
     • examiner.com.au12 Aug, 05:34their copy
     • bunburymail.com.au12 Aug, 05:34their copy
     • easternriverinachronicle.com.au12 Aug, 05:34their copy
     • gloucesteradvocate.com.au12 Aug, 05:34their copy
9. Fri, 14 August 2026

   1 report
   • The Guardian World08:04
     Pocock and crossbenchers call Labor’s NDIS overhaul ‘too far, too fast’ in scathing Senate inquiry report

     Greens say Labor’s reform set to ‘rip life-changing supports away from disabled people instead of raising additional revenue through taxing gas exports’ Cross-benchers have slammed the Albanese government’s proposed overhaul of the NDIS as going “too far, too fast” as the changes to curb the growth of the $52bn program appear set to pass the parliament as early as next week. The Greens and independent ACT senator, David Pocock, delivered scathing assessments of the bill they warn will enable...

10. Mon, 17 August 2026

    7 reports
    • westernadvocate.com.au08:34
      Gambling reform changes unveiled to beat damning report

      Labor is under fire for proposing late changes to its controversial gambling reforms as a damning report on...

      1 reprint

      • standard.net.au17 Aug, 08:34their copy
    • The Guardian World09:10edited after publishing
      Labor pledges opt-out register for online gambling ads as Pocock calls out shortfalls in government’s bill

      previouslyLabor pledges opt-out register for online gambling ads akin to Do Not Call register for spam calls

      The new measure falls short of calls for gambling ads to move to an opt-in model, or for an outright ban Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast The Labor government has pledged a new single-service opt-out register for gambling ads – an idea similar to the Do Not Call register for spam calls – as part of amendments to its wagering ad bill, as well as restrictions on inducements and limiting commissions for agents. The...

    • ABC News (Australia)11:36edited after publishing
      Labor and Coalition close in on deal on gambling reforms

      Labor and the Coalition agree to establish a single register that would allow Australians to opt out of wagering ads across online platforms, as part of a tentative deal to pass gambling reforms.

    • newsnet5.com18:28
      Australia’s New Opt-Out Register Empowers Citizens to Block Gambling Ads

      Discover how the Australian Labor government’s new nationwide opt-out register for gambling advertisements aims to reduce gambling harm by allowing individuals to block ads online. Learn about the ongoing reforms, political debates, and the role of ACMA in managing this initiative.

    • abc.net.au20:00
      Gambling inquiry's single recommendation sparks backlash - ABC listen

      A two-day Senate inquiry into Labor's proposed gambling advertising reforms lifted the lid on the legal and allegedly illicit tactics used by the gambling industry. The committee has now tabled its report from the inquiry, making a single recommendation that's prompted significant blowback from the cross-bench.

    • abc.net.au21:10
      Tentative deal struck on gambling reforms - ABC listen

      The Government striking a tentative deal with the Coalition over gambling reforms.

    • southernhighlandnews.com.au22:30
      Likely deal looms for contentious gambling reforms

      URL changednow www.southernhighlandnews.com.au/story/9332172/disgusted-coalition-rift-as-gambling-changes-blasted/

      Major parties appear poised to sign off on changes to gambling laws, but some MPs say the reforms...

      3 reprints

      • sconeadvocate.com.au17 Aug, 22:30their copy
      • tenterfieldstar.com.au17 Aug, 22:30their copy
      • merimbulanewsweekly.com.au17 Aug, 22:30their copy
11. Tue, 18 August 2026

    9 reports
    • narrominenewsonline.com.au04:37
      Opt-out for gambling ads close as parties reach deal

      URL changednow www.narrominenewsonline.com.au/story/9332172/disgusted-coalition-rift-as-gambling-changes-blasted/

      People looking to avoid betting ads will soon have the option to opt out of the commercials after...

      4 reprints

      • blayneychronicle.com.au18 Aug, 04:37their copy
      • northweststar.com.au18 Aug, 04:37their copy
      • gloucesteradvocate.com.au18 Aug, 04:37their copy
      • greatlakesadvocate.com.au18 Aug, 04:37their copy
    • Bloomberg Politics05:17
      Australia Rolls Out Fresh Gambling Curbs After Divisive Debate

      Australia’s government tightened proposed curbs on gambling advertising and marketing, though the restrictions fall short of demands from anti-betting lobby groups and some lawmakers.

    • miragenews.com05:45
      Gambling reforms As Weak As Water

      The Independent Federal Member for Kooyong, Dr Monique Ryan, has slammed the dirty deal agreed overnight by Labor and the Coalition, which risks

    • ABC News (Australia)05:59
      You'll soon be able to register to block gambling ads. Here's how it will work

      The government is moving to make opting out of gambling ads online as easy as paying a bill. Here is what we know about how it might work.

    • The Guardian World07:11edited after publishing
      David Pocock condemns Labor-Coalition deal on gambling bill as ‘betrayal of all Australians’

      Labor’s legislation to restrict gambling ads is set to pass this week, with the Greens calling the agreement ‘cowardly’ Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast Two Coalition MPs have crossed the floor after a deal between the major parties to pass Labor’s new restrictions on betting advertising and inducements, with crossbenchers and the Greens expressing anger and dismay at the contentious bill’s final form. Anthony Albanese and the communications minister, Anika Wells,...

    • easternriverinachronicle.com.au07:52
      'Disgusted': coalition rift as gambling changes blasted

      Two coalition MPs have crossed the floor in protest against gambling laws which they say don't go far...

    • The Guardian World07:55edited after publishing ×2
      Severe weather warning for northern Victoria – as it happened

      previouslyAustralia politics live: federal police to investigate leaked melon memo; Labor wants nation to adopt AI ‘everywhere we can’

      All the days news as it unfolded Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast Chalmers calls gambling amendments ‘very substantial changes’ Treasurer Jim Chalmers says the opt-out register on gambling advertising will be revenue neutral, because the gambling industry will have to cover the costs. These changes that we’re proposing are very substantial changes. And they will make it much easier for people to opt out of this advertising. At the same time, as we make it easier for...

    • gamingintelligence.com09:02
      Australia introduces new amendments to gambling legislation

      The government of Australia aims to further strengthen consumer protection with a number of new amendments to gambling legislation.

    • ABC News (Australia)21:10edited after publishing
      Live: Liberal senator to cross floor on gambling ad bill

      previouslyLive: Butler slams One Nation plan to slash tobacco excise as 'cheap headline'

      Paul Scarr says he will cross the floor of the Senate to vote against Labor's gambling advertising bill, defying his party's official position. Follow live.

12. Wed, 19 August 2026

    5 reports
    • examiner.com.au06:35
      'Still have a punt': Labor spruiks gambling reforms

      Contentious gambling reforms are finally within sight of the winning post for the government as its brushes off...

      2 reprints

      • dailyliberal.com.au19 Aug, 06:35their copy
      • hepburnadvocate.com.au19 Aug, 06:35their copy
    • The Guardian World07:49
      Peta Murphy called for gambling reform three years ago. Her husband says Labor’s changes fall ‘well short’

      The government’s gambling ad changes are expected to pass the Senate on Wednesday night or Thursday morning with the Coalition’s support Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast The husband of the late Labor MP Peta Murphy has said the government’s gambling reform “falls well short” of what she called for in 2023, lamenting that its shortcomings were due to the “considerable lobbying power” of the wagering, sporting and...

    • The Guardian World15:00edited after publishing
      A ‘shiny, dangling carrot’ lured Jesse into gambling. He says Labor’s reform won’t stop others being sucked in

      The government says it’s stopping ‘the most toxic’ gambling company strategies. Former addicts say it will do ‘absolutely nothing’ Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast Jesse Murphy wasn’t sure what to wear when his VIP gambling manager texted him: “Looking forward to having a beer with you!” His frequent betting had just earned the then 25-year-old free tickets to a gambling company’s corporate box at the footy with...

    • boorowanewsonline.com.au16:00
      McCormack: Balance needed between harm reduction, choice

      Federal MP Michael McCormack calls for a balanced approach to gambling reform, emphasising the need to protect Australians while preserving individual freedoms during a parliamentary debate on the Interactive Gambling Amendment Bill 2026

    • Politico Europe19:32
      Republicans take aim at News Bargaining Incentive

      ESSENTIALS DRIVING THE DAY THE VIBE IS: Relief. What’s on the menu at the Qantas Chairman’s Lounge? The end of the sitting session has finally arrived, with Labor and the Coalition striking deals to pass legislation on gambling, the NDIS and the News Bargaining Incentive. You wouldn’t know it from Question Time but it was a […]

13. Thu, 20 August 2026

    1 report
    • yasstribune.com.au08:15
      Crackdown to stop organised crime 'grooming' athletes

      Players found to have rigged a sporting event through match-fixing will face stiff criminal penalties including long jail...

      3 reprints

      • areanews.com.au20 Aug, 08:15their copy
      • canberratimes.com.au20 Aug, 08:15their copy
      • perthnow.com.au20 Aug, 08:17their copy
14. Fri, 21 August 2026

    1 report
    • The Guardian World04:12
      Former Liberal MP condemns Coalition for backing gambling reforms that ‘let down’ vulnerable Australians

      Jenny Ware, member of inquiry that recommended wagering advertising ban, says ‘public health crisis’ demands stronger response from major parties Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast The former Liberal MP Jenny Ware has condemned her one-time Coalition colleagues for backing Labor’s gambling legislation, claiming “vulnerable Australians have been let down”, as the parliament failed to back a full ban on wagering ads....

15. Sun, 23 August 2026

    2 reports
    • The Guardian World15:00edited after publishing
      ‘Absurd’: children to see gambling logos on sports jerseys until 2032 in transition period condemned by Pocock

      Government says it hopes clubs will end jersey deals with wagering companies earlier, but calls it a commercial decision Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast Children across Australia will continue to see gambling logos on professional sport jerseys until up to 2032 despite the government’s pledge to break the link between sport and wagering. The Albanese government has banned gambling company logos on jerseys but...

    • foreignpolicyjournal.com15:33
      Australia's BetStop Self-Exclusion Register Surpasses 67,000 Registrations In Third Year Of Operation

      Australia's national gambling self-exclusion register has recorded 67,480 total registrations since its launch three years ago, according to the Australian

16. Tue, 25 August 2026

    1 report
    • sbs.com.au02:02
      New gambling reforms in NSW

      New South Wales unveils major gambling reforms; ocean temperatures hit a new global record; Aleksander Ceferin rules out a bid for the FIFA presidency.

17. Wed, 2 September 2026

    1 report
    • boorowanewsonline.com.au20:00
      Fewer ads, but no ban: what new gambling laws mean

      New gambling ad laws will reduce betting promotions, but children may still remain exposed.