The parliamentary inquiry is set to tour Australia and is seeking feedback from consumers including those with a history of problem gambling. The main points of query are believed to be loot boxes along with the advertising of live sports betting and the use of simulated gambling in video games.
Murphy, who has previously spoken of the need to restrict the advertising of gambling services and products during televised sporting events said:
Australian Gambling Inquiry to Investigate Loot Boxes and Live Sports BettingThe inquiry could potentially inform government policy changes and will examine the effectiveness of current online gambling regulations and advertising restrictions. This includes advertising on social media and through sponsorship or branding particularly in sports.
As it stands, Australian gambling companies cannot advertise the promotion of odds from five minutes before the start of play until five minutes after the event. However, Murphy wants to see tougher rules.
Australian Gambling Inquiry to Investigate Loot Boxes and Live Sports BettingThe inquiry comes as the federal government is under pressure from anti-gambling advocate Andrew Wilkie and teal independent Zoe Daniel.
Australian Gambling Inquiry to Investigate Loot Boxes and Live Sports Betting“When children are having conversations about sports betting ‘multis’, wanting to set up sports betting apps on their phones and even betting on the federal election, we have an issue.”
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