In the media release announcing the publication of the letter, former Prime Minister John Howard said:
Australian Alliance Pens Open Letter Calling for Gambling Ads Ban“Many Australians are alarmed about the proliferation of gambling advertising on our screens and the mounting losses through gambling. I believe gambling losses are responsible for enormous harm across the community. Our political leaders should follow the courageous example of the former New South Wales Premier, Dominic Perrottet. 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.”
“A total ban on all gambling advertising is essential to stop gambling companies targeting our children. 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.
Australians lose $25 billion a year to gambling. But the real cost of inaction – is the mounting financial ruin, mental health problems, suicide, and the family violence that gambling can exacerbate. We are calling on the Government and Opposition to commit publicly to adopting in full all 31 recommendations from the Murphy Report.
Children are being saturated in advertising and people who want to stop gambling are being pulled back in through exploitative and unethical inducements and promotions.
Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton have a once-in-a-generation chance to embrace common sense, effective reform and end the vicious cycle of gambling harm that destroys families and communities.”
The Alliance’s Chief Advocate, Tim Costello, said the rejection of an outright gambling ad ban signified the power held by the gambling lobby.
Australian Alliance Pens Open Letter Calling for Gambling Ads BanI met with the Prime Minister once last year and with the Communications Minister only twice, but apparently this government continues to engage frequently with the gambling lobby and those who profit from the proliferation of gambling advertisements.”
Australians Agree with Gambling Ads Ban
Studies show that 78% of Australians reported seeing or hearing wagering ads at least once a week. Young people aged 18-34 years stated that they are more influenced by online and social media ads.
Australian Alliance Pens Open Letter Calling for Gambling Ads BanThe Australian Communications and Media Authority has stated that over 1 million gambling ads were broadcast on free-to-air TV, radio, and online in the 12 months leading up to April 2023. The total spent on this advertising costing $238 million.
According to the latest Australian gambling statistics, Australia has the highest losses per person in any country with a regulated gambling market. Losses amount to $1,200 per person per year or $25 billion in total. Research by Roy Morgan also revealed that 12% of gamblers classed as problem or moderate gamblers contribute 48.5% of all gambling revenue.
Based in London, Natasha is a former sports journalist with experience working for some of the biggest athletes & brands in the world of sports and iGaming.