On August 10, a group of prominent Australians, including former prime ministers and state premiers, publicly demanded a complete ban on all gambling advertising within three years. The open letter, released by the Alliance for Gambling Reform, underscores the urgent need for stricter regulations to address Australia’s growing gambling problems.
Among the signatories are former Prime Ministers John Howard and Malcolm Turnbull, alongside over 60 other influential figures. Their appeal is driven by the recommendations from the Murphy Report, a parliamentary inquiry led by the late MP Peta Murphy. The 2023 report advocated for extensive reforms to tackle the detrimental effects of online gambling in Australia.
The letter highlights the severe impact of gambling, stating that “Australia has a gambling addiction” which is inflicting widespread social damage. Australians are reportedly losing around $25 billion annually to gambling. This substantial loss contributes to various serious issues, including financial strain, mental health problems, domestic violence, family breakdowns, and even suicide.
Concerns Over Gambling Ads Targeting Youth
A major concern raised is the impact of gambling advertisements on young Australians. The letter points out that gambling companies increasingly target younger audiences, with children as young as 14 exposed to numerous ads on social media. This aggressive marketing is feared to be creating a new generation of gamblers.
Nielsen research further reveals that Australian free-to-air TV and radio aired a staggering one million gambling ads in just one year. This overwhelming exposure, particularly during sports broadcasts, has led to fears that gambling is becoming normalized for young viewers.
John Howard, former Prime Minister, expressed his alarm over the frequency of gambling ads. He noted that Australians are increasingly frustrated with the constant presence of these ads and the significant losses associated with gambling, which he believes are harming communities nationwide.
The letter demands that the government and opposition act on all 31 recommendations from the Murphy Report. This includes implementing a phased ban on gambling ads over the next three years and halting promotions and incentives, especially those related to sports betting. The signatories argue that only a full ban will adequately protect Australian youth from the adverse effects of gambling.
As the debate on gambling regulation intensifies, the government faces mounting pressure from these high-profile figures. The response of the Albanese administration to these recommendations will be crucial in determining the future of gambling advertising in Australia
The post Leading Australians Demand Complete Ban on Gambling Advertisements appeared first on iGaming.org.