New South Wales Bans Gambling Ads on Public Transport
In a decisive move to combat gambling-related harm, the New South Wales (NSW) government has announced a sweeping ban on all forms of gambling advertising across public transport networks. This measure is part of broader reforms aimed at reducing the public’s exposure to gambling promotions in the state.

Comprehensive Ban Across Public Transport
The ban, confirmed by Liquor & Gaming New South Wales, will cover advertising for casinos, lotteries, and online betting across all public transport assets. This includes trains, metro, buses, light rail, as well as advertising spaces at train stations and ferry terminals.
Transport’s vast portfolio includes 798 advertising boards at Sydney train stations, 49 road-facing digital billboards, and ads on up to 3,711 urban buses, 76 trams, and the Tangara train fleet.
Transport’s advertising suppliers will have a 12-month period to comply with the new regulations, ensuring that all advertising content aligns with the updated legal requirements. The government will collaborate closely with contract holders during this transition to enforce the changes effectively.
While the ban directly affects assets controlled by Transport, the government is also engaging with non-Transport entities—such as bus stops, retail outlets, and private properties near public transport—to explore alignment with the new restrictions.
Government’s Commitment to Reducing Gambling Harm
Transport Minister Jo Haylen emphasized that the decision is part of a broader initiative to mitigate gambling harm across the state.
“Gambling advertising has been a common sight on our public transport for a couple of years now. I’m pleased our government is taking action to remove it. Parents are rightly worried about the impact it has on their kids, so it’s not something that we think needs to be on our transport network”, said Haylen.
Minister for Gaming and Racing, David Harris, echoed this sentiment, noting that the ban builds on ongoing reforms to reduce gambling’s harmful impacts.
“This move will reduce the public’s exposure to gambling advertising and builds on the suite of reforms the government has introduced over the past 20 months to reduce harmful impacts of gambling,” Harris stated.
Minns Government’s Broader Gambling Reform
Since taking office in April 2023, the Minns Labour government has implemented several measures to curb gambling-related harm. These include:
- Banning all external gambling signage at pubs and clubs.
- Prohibiting signage around ATMs inside gambling venues.
- Mandating a minimum distance of five metres between ATMs and gaming rooms.
- Reducing the cash input limit on new gaming machines from $5,000 to $500.
- Banning political donations from clubs with electronic gaming machines.