Australia Poised to Ban Gambling Advertisements Following Parliamentary Consensus
Call for Gambling Advertising Ban as a Public Health Concern
Australian Labor MP Dr Mike Freelander has voiced strong support for banning gambling advertisements, emphasizing the issue as one of public health. He believes that if given a conscience vote in parliament, such a ban would likely succeed. Dr Freelander’s position is mirrored by Liberal MP Simon Kennedy and independent MP Kate Chaney, who serve as co-chairs of the newly reactivated Parliamentary Friends of Gambling Harm Minimization group.
Political Leaders Advocate for Stronger Gambling Regulations
MPs Simon Kennedy and Kate Chaney have openly criticized the federal government’s sluggish pace in responding to the recommendations from the 2023 inquiry into online gambling. Despite this, Dr Freelander clarifies that he does not intend to criticize Prime Minister Anthony Albanese personally. Drawing on his extensive background as a pediatrician in Western Sydney, he underscores how gambling advertising negatively impacts families and children, framing the need for restrictions as a health priority rather than moral opposition.
Dr Freelander shared that he has witnessed firsthand the damaging effects of gambling on families and stressed the urgency of implementing measures to mitigate harm. He likened the current situation to past efforts to curb tobacco advertising in the 1960s and 1970s, expressing optimism that society will eventually achieve similar advancements regarding gambling.
Simon Kennedy highlighted a growing consensus across parliament to tackle gambling harm, while criticizing the Prime Minister for delaying necessary reforms. He emphasized that Australians deserve a more immediate response, sharing personal experiences of engaging with families affected by gambling-related tragedies, including reading suicide notes left behind.
Kate Chaney added that there is widespread bipartisan support for gambling reforms and noted that members of the crossbench are actively advocating for their communities. Nevertheless, she also mentioned that the Prime Minister’s reluctance might hinder progress, making participation in the Parliamentary Friends of Gambling Harm Minimization group a vital outlet for Labor MPs to reflect their constituents’ desire for meaningful change.
Upcoming Event to Advance National Gambling Regulation
This week, the parliamentary group plans to welcome reform advocates to Canberra to present new research advocating the creation of a national gambling regulatory body. Martin Thomas, CEO of the Alliance for Gambling Reform, revealed that the current regulatory environment permits the Northern Territory to function as a regulatory refuge for foreign bookmakers, characterized by low taxes, minimal oversight, and rapid licensing approvals. This system enables overseas betting companies to operate nationwide under a single Northern Territory license, effectively evading more stringent regulations enforced in other states.
Research from the alliance indicates that approximately one percent of online gamblers are responsible for over 40% of total gambling losses. These high-risk gamblers are predominantly men aged between 25 and 44, many of whom have families and mortgages, as well as individuals grappling with financial difficulties or mental health issues.
