December 15, 2025
Ban the kids, bankroll the bookies
Australia's Social Media Ban Was Pushed by Gambling Ad Agency
Kids off social, betting ads still rolling—commenters smell a setup
TLDR: A gambling ad agency helped push Australia’s under‑16 social media ban, while the government kept gambling ads online. Commenters are split between calling it regulatory capture and saying the theory is far‑fetched, with plenty of sarcasm about kids dodging the ban and ads winning anyway.
Australia just kicked under‑16s off social media, and a scoop from Crikey says the loudest push came from FINCH—the ad shop behind the “36 Months” campaign—who also cranks out gambling promos for TAB and other bookmakers. The internet immediately lit up. The dominant mood? This smells like industry writing the rules. One top comment branded it “regulatory capture” in plain English: when businesses nudge government to make rules that help them. Meanwhile, the government paused plans to ban online gambling ads—because kids are “off social” now. Cue side‑eye.
Drama erupted. Skeptics like ArbriC called it “far fetched,” demanding proof beyond vibes and timing. Others brought receipts: qzervaas pointed to the late Peta Murphy’s push to restrict gambling ads, then the momentum mysteriously fizzled—“Surely a coincidence,” they deadpanned. FINCH’s campaign reportedly smeared critics as “big tech shills,” which only amplified the popcorn‑worthy flame war. Humor flowed too: metalman begged for an “adult media ban” to shield us from the political circus, while folks joked Australia’s real national sport is… ads. The most shared meme? A dog hiding behind the couch—if it can’t see you, you’re “safe.” Commenters say kids will dodge the ban anyway, while gambling logos keep shining. Chef’s kiss to convenient timing
Key Points
- •Australia’s under‑16 social media ban took effect last week.
- •Crikey reports the “36 Months” campaign promoting the ban was planned and executed by ad agency FINCH.
- •FINCH has produced multiple gambling ads since 2017 for clients including TAB Australia, Ladbrokes, Sportsbet, and CrownBet (now BetEasy).
- •The government recently decided not to ban online gambling ads, citing the under‑16 social media ban as limiting minors’ exposure.
- •36 Months spokespeople accused critics of being funded by big tech without providing evidence; Attwells acknowledged not having looked into proof.