Sportsbet, described by the trade publication Gambling Industry News as one of Australia's leading sports betting operators, has pulled television advertisements promoting same-game multiple bets after what the report calls severe community backlash. The ads announced that the operator now accepts same-game multis.

The source text refers to the operator as "Sportsnet" in places, but the headline and the rest of the article use Sportsbet. This article follows the headline.

What was withdrawn, and what remains

A multiple combines a series of single bets into one wager. The odds multiply with each additional leg, which means a greater potential reward for greater risk. All legs must win for a payout, and if one loses, the entire bet loses.

According to the report, Sportsbet moved its promotion to the official AFL website after removing its free-to-air advertisements. The new placement on the AFL homepage carries a "bet now" prompt and advertises the same-game multi feature, which lets bettors combine selections such as clearances, tackles and handballs.

The company said it voluntarily withdrew ads for the multiples on different platforms "after listening to stakeholder and community sentiment on gambling advertising." That is the company's own account of its reasoning. The report does not say which platforms were covered, how long the ads ran, or when they were withdrawn.

The report states it was confirmed that the advertisements did not breach any Australian laws. It does not say who gave that confirmation.

Criticism of self-regulation

The article includes a pointed comment from a person identified only as Chaney. The source does not state Chaney's role or affiliation.

"Expecting gambling companies to take their own hand out of the cookie jar is a joke and the government must know it." (Chaney, as quoted by Gambling Industry News)

The comment reflects a wider argument that voluntary action by operators is no substitute for enforceable rules.

The stalled reform agenda

The report says Communications Minister Annika Wells met the AFL's chief executive just weeks before the ad was published, to discuss the government's plan to restrict gambling advertising. The source does not give the date of the meeting or what was agreed.

Last November it was revealed that the government had delayed its reform of gambling advertising rules until 2025. According to the report, Labor had pledged reform but had not followed through. Wells said at the time that not all sports stakeholders accepted the proposals and that a delay was needed to reach a compromise. Some politicians blamed the government for lacking Senate support, arguing Labor had not found the numbers needed to pass legislation.

The proposals, as summarised in the report, include:

- a ban on broadcasting gambling commercials from one hour before to one hour after live sports events; - a prohibition on pundits discussing betting odds during matches; - a cap of two gambling advertisements per hour on television; - a complete blackout during children's programming.

The report adds that a full ban on TV and radio gambling advertising is highly unlikely.

What is not known

The source does not say whether the AFL commented on the placement of the promotion on its website, or whether the government responded to the withdrawal. It does not explain how the AFL promotion relates to the proposed advertising rules, or give a timetable for legislation.

Sports betting with licensed operators is legal in Australia, unlike online casino services, which are prohibited under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001. Anyone concerned about their gambling can contact the national Gambling Help Online service.