Politicians and reform advocates have criticised the federal government over reports that it will not gambling advertisements on television. 

The government is expected to propose a ban on gambling ads on social media and digital platforms, while allowing them to continue on TV with restrictions.

According to reports by the Nine newspapers, the Albanese government plans to cap TV gambling ads at two per hour until 10pm, with a prohibition an hour before and after live sports broadcasts. 

Reports say Communications Minister Michelle Rowland's office recently met with executives from major sporting codes, gambling companies, and media networks to discuss the proposal. 

These stakeholders allegedly have a week to present their arguments before the plan is finalised and submitted to the cabinet.

This comes a year after a parliamentary committee led by the late Labor MP Peta Murphy recommended a comprehensive ban on all forms of advertising for online gambling, phased over three years. 

The proposal included banning online gambling inducements, advertising on social media, and betting logos on players' uniforms, with a complete prohibition by the end of the third year.

Independent Senator David Pocock has described the government's approach as a “total cop out” and a betrayal of Murphy's legacy. 

“There is support in the parliament to implement the Murphy Review recommendations in full – not some watered down policy to appease the gambling industry. Find some courage and end this harm,” he said.

Independent MP Zoe Daniel echoed these sentiments, calling the reported proposal “half-hearted” and accusing the government of prioritising the interests of gambling companies over public welfare. 

“What the government has in mind is half-hearted, half-arsed, won’t work and is a betrayal of Peta Murphy’s legacy,” she said.

Independent MP Kate Chaney criticised the government for “kowtowing to the power of the media companies, sports codes, and gambling companies who are all profiting from people’s misery”.

Rowland has defended the government's efforts to minimise online wagering harms, citing initiatives like BetStop, the National Self-Exclusion Register, and the ban on using credit cards for online wagering.