The New South Wales (NSW) government has announced a sweeping ban on gambling advertisements across its public transport network, marking a significant policy shift aimed at reducing gambling-related harm. The move applies to all advertising spaces controlled by Transport for NSW, including buses, trains, ferries, and transport stations. The government has introduced a 12-month transition period to allow for the gradual removal of existing ads while fulfilling contractual agreements.
The ban follows growing public concern over the normalization of gambling, particularly among children and vulnerable groups. Public transport is widely used by school-aged children, families, and young commuters, making it a highly visible platform for gambling promotions. Advocacy groups and parents have increasingly voiced opposition to these ads, arguing that they contribute to the glamorization of gambling and encourage risky betting behaviors.
Government’s Justification and Public Support
According to NSW Transport Minister Jo Haylen, the decision to ban gambling ads was driven by concerns over their impact on young people. “Parents are rightly worried about the influence these ads have on their kids, so it’s not something that we think needs to be on our transport network,” Haylen said. The government believes that removing gambling advertisements from public spaces is an essential step in creating a safer, more responsible environment. 
The ban has been widely praised by public health experts and gambling harm advocates, who have long pushed for stricter restrictions on gambling promotions. The Alliance for Gambling Reform, one of the most vocal organizations on this issue, described the move as “long overdue.” The group’s CEO, Martin Thomas, stated: “These are public assets, and it is completely inappropriate that they feature gambling advertisements that reach children and at-risk individuals.”
The ban covers all Transport for NSW advertising spaces, meaning that gambling ads will no longer be displayed on public transport vehicles, inside stations, or on transport infrastructure. The government has given advertisers and operators a year to comply, allowing time to phase out existing agreements without sudden contract breaches.
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