TV can't afford gambling ad ban: Conroy Gambling ads survive changes Critics of PM Julia Gillard's new live-odds limits on TV sports say the changes should have gone further to prevent any gambling ads in children's viewing time. Labor has cut more than $250 million from the cost of doing business for television networks since 2010, but Communications Minister Stephen Conroy says the industry can't afford to lose the advertising dollar of betting companies - estimated at $40 million a year. Senator Conroy said on Monday that life had become "harder and harder" for the commercial free-to-air stations despite the government's decision to halve licence fees and award two free digital channels each. The Gillard government on Sunday said it would restrict spruiking of odds but allow betting ads during sports broadcasts. It was another backdown from the government, which had insisted that the TV industry should be allowed to submit a new code of practice before a final plan was considered. Senator Conroy's new position was criticised by anti-gambling campaigners and stoked concern on the Labor backbench over gambling's grip on televised sport and the community feeling against it. Australian Churches Gambling Taskforce chairman Tim Costello described Senator Conroy's defence of the TV industry's bottom line as "extraordinary." You don't hear anyone saying the tobacco industry is doing it tough so let's let them advertise. People are very clear, they're saying we are sick of gambling ads being seen by our kids - not just live odds. Sources said caucus will adopt the position and Labor MP Stephen Jones will no longer introduce a private member's bill to ban ads before 8.30pm, but Mr Jones said TV networks still needed to be "weaned off" their reliance on gambling. Ad market expert Steve Allen, managing director of Fusion Strategy, said gambling revenue for metropolitan networks was about $40 million a year. He said the live odds crackdown might reduce spend by $10 million. The Greens were due to introduce their own bill to ban gambling ads on Monday night.