On 12 May 2026, the Australian Government released its long-awaited formal response to the House of Representatives Standing Committee (Committee) inquiry into online gambling harm with significant implications for stakeholders, including wagering and lottery operators, consumers, banks, media organisations, technology providers, regulators and sporting bodies.

The Government's response addresses some of the Committee's 31 recommendations, with the Government calling on the states and territories to examine and respond to the others.

Of those addressed in the announcement, particularly in relation to reforms to online wagering, the Government has indicated its intention to introduce a package of legislative reforms to the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA) commencing 1 January 2027, leaving a relatively short period for engagement and preparation. The IGA provides significant enforcement tools to the responsible regulator, the Australian Communication and Media Authority (the ACMA).