Call for Ban and Restrictions on Gambling Ads in Australia by Former Tabcorp CEO
Former Tabcorp Executive Urges Stronger Controls on Gambling Advertising in Australia
Elmer Funke Kupper, former CEO of Tabcorp and a long-standing figure in the gambling industry, has raised serious concerns about the current consumer protection regulations in Australia. He emphasizes the need for the Albanese Government to implement stricter rules, specifically targeting gambling advertisements, to better safeguard the public.
Concerns Over the Prevalence of Gambling Ads and Their Impact on Youth
Kupper highlights the urgent need for tighter advertising regulations. Recent figures show that 600,000 Australian teenagers between the ages of 12 and 17 engaged in gambling within the past year, indicating that many young people are involved in gambling activities earlier than they should be. A significant factor contributing to this trend is the early exposure of children to gambling through public ads and family influences.
He shared his surprise at seeing multiple sports betting advertisements in the half-hour before an AFL game began, pointing out that he had expected these ads to be banned near sporting events under existing agreements between the AFL and government authorities.
While Kupper agrees that the current gambling regulations are largely effective, he criticizes the lack of sufficient rules regarding gambling advertisements. This inadequate regulation poses risks by increasing young people’s exposure to potentially addictive gambling content.
Globally, many regions are moving towards comprehensive bans or temporary suspensions of broad, untargeted gambling advertising. Although Australia does not promote gambling through bonus offers, gambling brands still maintain a strong presence in the public eye.
A key debate revolves around whether sports betting sponsorships should be ended and whether gambling ads should be restricted during certain hours. Supporters argue that since young people enjoy sports, they inevitably encounter a flood of gambling ads during broadcasts, which normalizes gambling and leads to harmful outcomes.
Kupper criticizes the slow progress on this issue as a sign of weak leadership and insists that both the government and the AFL Commission should proactively create more comprehensive and consumer-focused advertising restrictions.
The Inevitability of Reduced Gambling Advertising
Kupper acknowledges the potential consequences of banning or limiting gambling advertisements, such as reduced funding for free community programs that rely on gambling sponsorships. However, he firmly believes public health concerns must take priority over financial considerations.
He also addresses common arguments made by the industry claiming other forms of gambling cause greater harm, stating that while this may be true, it is irrelevant when deciding on advertising restrictions.
According to Kupper, action must be taken immediately, as restrictions or outright bans on gambling advertisements are bound to happen eventually.
