Swift action to stop gambling harms – don’t bet on it
Reform advocates, medical experts and cross-reviewers are coming together to call for action on gambling as a groundbreaking report on the harms of gambling collects dust after 1,000 days.
Angry at the inaction, advocates of gambling reform are publishing research on gambling companies trying to attract interest from young women to highlight the need for urgent government intervention.
The late Labor MP Peta Murphy delivered a report into the harms of gambling in June 2023; This report recommended phasing out online gambling advertising, reducing incentives and creating a national framework.
None of the 31 suggestions were responded to after 1000 days.
The federal government has announced actions on gambling reform, including banning credit cards, introducing new slogans after adverts and introducing self-exclusion in defense of its record, but has not addressed the report’s main recommendations.
Former communications minister Michelle Rowland had advanced a policy that would partially ban gambling advertising, including hourly limits, but this was undermined by the prime minister’s intervention before it was made public.
Independent MP Kate Chaney will introduce a private member’s bill to ban advertising for online gambling services, introducing the recommendation of Ms Murphy’s report.
The ban will be phased in over three years and will apply to free TV, social media, streaming services and sports venues.
Australian Medical Association president Danielle McMullen said gambling caused immeasurable damage to families, with Australians losing $31.5 billion a year.
“The committee, led by Peta Murphy, was very clear – partial bans do not work and it is time to recognize that ongoing industry pressure is harming Australians,” Dr McMullen said.
Social media promotions featuring celebrities and influencers were increasing women’s interest in gambling, according to Deakin University research following a qualitative panel survey of 525 Victorian women aged 18 to 40.
According to the research, using female celebrities and influencers and using content related to women’s interests has made gambling more socially acceptable and relatable.
A second study found that strategies such as celebrity endorsements, gambling incentives and direct-to-consumer marketing normalize gambling, make it appear more positive and increase betting.
Survey participants described how bonus bets, the in-app currency offered by gambling companies to increase account balances, made them feel like they had a better chance of winning, and gambling was seen as a way to make money in the context of cost of living pressures.
Independent senator David Pocock said the government’s response was disgraceful.
“It’s disturbing to see gambling companies targeting women in the same way that big tobacco used to do, and this wouldn’t have happened if the government had taken action,” he said.
“There is no excuse for continued inaction. Australians overwhelmingly support a complete ban on gambling advertising and the Albanian government must continue to enforce this.”
National Gambling Helpline 1800 858 858
