‘Many Australians are alarmed about the proliferation of gambling advertising on our screens and the mounting losses through gambling,’ John Howard said.
Demands for gambling reform are rising in Australia, with politicians, athletes, and other prominent Australians supporting the call for a total ban on gambling advertisements.
Many important figures supported the letter, including former state premiers, Dominic Perrottet, Jeff Kennet, and Steve Bracks, and former prime ministers, Malcolm Turnbull and John Howard.
“I believe gambling losses are responsible for enormous harm across the community.
“As an unapologetic sports fan, I am troubled by how advertising is now linked with all our major sporting codes and what message this is sending to our children.”
You Win Some, You Lose More Report
The letter comes after a 2023 report on the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs inquiry into online gambling and its impacts.
The report, “You win some, you lose more,” made 31 recommendations and was launched by the late Chair of the Committee, Peta Murphy MP.
Murphy lost her battle to breast cancer December 2023.
“We know that it does and can destroy lives, and there’s more the Government can do to reduce the harms of gambling,” he said.
The policy specifics put forward will be delivered by Minister for Communications Michelle Rowland.
“We [are] talking to all those involved, making sure that we get this right. Because it will be a really serious reform,” Gorman said.
Necessity for Ban
The Albanese government has implemented BetStop the national self-exclusion register and banned credit cards, ensuring people can’t use a credit card for online wagering.
However, AGR CEO, Martin Thomas, said a total ban on gambling ads is crucial to stop these companies from targeting children.
“Australians lose $25 billion a year to gambling,” he said.
“But the real cost of inaction—is the mounting financial ruin, mental health problems, suicide, and the family violence that gambling can exacerbate.”
“Any decision to simply cap advertising, or limit a blanket ban to only social media, would be a win for vested interests and leave Australians exposed to significant harm,” Thomas said.
“We are calling on the government and opposition to commit publicly to adopting in full all 31 recommendations from the Murphy Report.”
Thomas said Albanese and Dutton have a chance to embrace effective reform and end the vicious cycle of gambling harm that destroys families and communities.