Way to go—Australia – Comming to amnerica ???
Sunday, 22. December 2013
Way to go—Australia – Comming to amnerica ???Gambling companies face new crackdown as SA regulator demands anti-smoking-style warnings on billboards, TV ads and uniformsBETTING agencies will be forced to display large anti-gambling messages on TV adverts, billboards and sporting uniforms under a new code of practice planned by the state watchdog.The Independent Gambling Authority is planning a new crackdown from December.
It will be the second phase of a reform package, which includes a live-odds advertising ban effective from Thursday .
It has issued a draft gambling code of practice with plans for 48 further changes, including prominent warning messages, similar to those used to attack smoking.
They include standard “gamble responsibly” messages, along with other slogans such as ones reminding punters “don’t let the game play you” and “think of the people who need your support”.
HAVE YOUR SAY: Is this move unfair or appropriate? Will it reduce problem gambling?
More: Live-odds betting ban goes national
Television ads will be required to include a warning message covering 25 per cent of the screen for at least one sixth of the running time.
The warnings would also need to be spoken, in a serious tone, on television and radio. In some cases, phone numbers for counselling services would also have to be provided.
Fixed billboards will have to feature warnings covering at least 10 per cent of the advertising.
Moving signs, like those at AAMI Stadium, would need a 25 per cent-sized warning.
Sponsorship logos larger than 540sqcm on sporting uniforms would need to have a “gamble responsibly” warning, at least half the size of the advertising, placed next to them.
However, teams could avoid placing warning messages on uniforms if the bookmakers agreed to offset positive exposure given to their companies by paying for anti-gambling advertisements.
Independent Gambling Authority director Robert Chappell said gambling companies were already required to balance the enticement to bet with warnings about potential harm.
However, he said many flouted the law and failed to display prominent warnings.
“The commercial gambling providers have really been dreadful in their compliance with the mandatory warning message requirements,” Mr Chappell told The Advertiser.
“Rather than have fights with them about what it means, there’s going to be page after page in this new code about how you need to use mandatory warning messages.
======================================
DOCTORS would routinely screen patients for problem gambling under a program launched on Monday by the State Government and the Australian Medical Association.
Under the voluntary plan, GPs would ask patients if they have an issue with gambling, as part of general screening for other health problems during consultations.
Officials hope the query from a trusted doctor may prompt some gamblers to admit they have a problem and seek help with it.
The program is supported by a web page for GPs with fact sheets and advice on the issue.
TELL US: Should GPs play a role in watching for problem gambling?
Communities and Social Inclusion Minister Tony Piccolo said GPs can play a vital role in helping people deal with a gambling problem.
“A large proportion of the community visits their doctor annually, and those who are experiencing a gambling problem may often have other health issues like headaches, anxiety and depression,” Mr Piccolo said.
More: Betting agencies forced into anti-gambling ads
“But the GP might not know an underlying gambling problem exists unless they ask.
“We also know there are feelings of shame and stigma attached to this type of addiction, and many problem gamblers will not volunteer this information.
If their trusted GP asks them about problem gambling, it might be the first step in their rehabilitation.”
Australian Medical Association SA branch president Dr Patricia Montanaro said such initial screening would be quick and simple.
“We know GPs are busy but screening patients for problem gambling is a simple exercise,” Dr Montanaro said.
“GPs regularly screen their patients for various health issues, and a quick question such as ‘have you, or anyone in your family an issue with gambling?’, as part of a routine assessment is not onerous and can open the door to much needed help.”
Mr Piccolo said there are approximately 5500 people over the age of 18 suffering from problem gambling.
More: Advertising on live-odds betting to be banned
“For every one of them it is estimated that five to seven others are impacted,” he said.
The move comes as State Government changes to gambling advertisements come into effect from March 1.
TV betting ads longer than 15 seconds will have to include a warning message covering 25 per cent of the screen for at least one sixth of the running time. The warnings would also need to be spoken, in a serious tone, on television and radio.
Phone numbers for counselling services would also be needed in some cases. At least 10 per cent of fixed billboards must carry warnings.
Sponsors’ logos larger than 54sq cm on sports uniforms must have “gamble responsibly” at least half the size of the logo placed alongside.
