Australian Leaders Push for Total Ban on Gambling Ads

Call for Comprehensive Advertising Ban

A coalition of over 60 prominent Australians, including former prime ministers John Howard and Malcolm Turnbull, has publicly called for a comprehensive ban on gambling advertising within three years. This demand, issued through an open letter on August 10 by the Alliance for Gambling Reform, underscores the urgency for stronger regulatory actions to address the escalating gambling issues plaguing the country.

The signatories, which include influential figures from various sectors, base their appeal on the findings of the 2023 Murphy Report. This parliamentary inquiry, chaired by the late MP Peta Murphy, recommended extensive reforms aimed at mitigating the harmful effects of online gambling.

The open letter highlights that Australia is facing a widespread gambling addiction, with Australians losing approximately $25 billion annually—a figure contributing to severe social problems such as financial hardship, mental health crises, and domestic violence.

Rising Concerns Over Gambling Ads Aimed at Australian Youth

One of the key issues raised in the letter is the impact of gambling advertisements on young Australians. The signatories express concern over the aggressive targeting of minors, with children as young as 14 being exposed to a barrage of gambling ads on social media. This exposure, they argue, is creating a new generation of gamblers susceptible to manipulative marketing tactics.

Citing Nielsen research, the letter reveals that Australian free-to-air TV and radio aired over one million gambling ads in just a single year. The widespread visibility of these ads, especially during sports events, is leading to the normalization of gambling among young viewers—a trend that has sparked significant public outcry.

Urgent Plea for Government Action

Former Prime Minister John Howard, in his statement accompanying the letter, voiced his concern about the omnipresence of gambling ads in Australia and the severe financial losses associated with gambling. He emphasized the distress that these ads cause among the public and the negative impact they have on communities nationwide.

The letter concludes by urging the Australian government and opposition to implement all 31 recommendations from the Murphy Report. These include a phased ban on gambling advertisements over three years and the elimination of promotions and incentives, particularly those related to sports betting. The signatories argue that without a complete ban, the safety of Australian children from gambling’s harmful effects cannot be ensured.

As the debate over gambling regulation intensifies, the Albanese administration faces mounting pressure to act. While the government is already considering measures to limit gambling ads during general TV programming, there is widespread demand for more decisive action.

However, this push for reform is met with resistance from sectors such as sports leagues and media companies, which fear the financial implications of such a ban. The outcome of this debate will likely shape the future of gambling regulation in Australia.