Facing a growing public backlash over the rise of gambling advertising, Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard will announce that TV, radio and internet broadcasters must agree to a ban on the promotion of betting odds during live sports matches, or legislation will be rushed into parliament before the September polls.
Bookmakers, including the high-profile Tom Waterhouse, will be banned from appearing in the commentary team at any time and identified if interviewed outside of the venue, reports Telegraph.com.au.
Broadcasters could face a complete ban on gambling advertisements during live broadcasts if they breached the new code with the government warning that if the intensity of advertising continues to rise, it "will impose a total advertising ban".
Under the proposed changes, all generic gambling broadcast advertisements will also be banned during play.