Sportsbet has temporarily suspended its advertising on Spotify in Australia following complaints about gambling ads appearing between children's songs. The issue came to light when a father reported hearing Sportsbet advertisements while playing Disney songs for his children on his personal account.

Despite Spotify's age-verification measures ensuring gambling ads target users 18 and older, the platform faces scrutiny over ad placement near children's content. The concerned father's children frequently listened to content from Disney, the Wiggles, and Bluey – content typically not associated with gambling audiences.

The father called for Spotify to implement an opt-out feature for gambling advertisements on free accounts, particularly citing Australia's federal ban on social media for users under 16. In response, Sportsbet has temporarily halted its Spotify advertising while the platform addresses the issue.

Recent research published in Health Promotion International reveals significant parental concern about gambling advertisements:

• 70% of parents expressed at least slight concern
• 27.7% reported being "extremely" concerned
• Survey included 455 Australian parents

Professor Samantha Thomas from Deakin University advocates for a comprehensive ban on gambling advertising, similar to tobacco advertising restrictions. The Australian federal government faces mounting pressure to introduce legislation banning gambling advertisements as early as next year.

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