Australian politicians are calling for Sportsbet to immediately withdraw its promotional filters from Snapchat, which are accessible to children.
The filters allow users to alter their appearance and share content featuring Sportsbet branding, including horse racing themes, The Guardian reported.
Critics argue that these filters normalize gambling and increase brand exposure among young users, particularly as Snapchat’s audience includes about 80 percent of 13- to 24-year-olds in Australia.
While the filters are restricted from under-18 accounts, they can still be viewed by younger children through shared videos. Politicians, including Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young and independent MP Kate Chaney, have expressed concern that the ads contribute to early exposure to gambling, potentially leading to future gambling addiction.
Sportsbet has stated that it regularly reviews its advertising practices and takes precautions to target adult audiences. However, following complaints about ads on other platforms, such as Spotify, Chaney emphasized that if Sportsbet can remove ads from family-friendly environments, it should also act on Snapchat.
Health advocates, including the Australian Medical Association president, have stressed the need for the government to eliminate these ads to protect children from the risks associated with gambling exposure. The call for action reflects a broader push to regulate gambling advertising and safeguard young people from its influence.
