Government's proposed crackdown on gambling advertising doesn't go far enough for most Australians
A majority of Australians support a total ban on gambling ads, but the government's proposed reforms only introduce time restrictions and limits.Summary
A recent poll commissioned by the Australia Institute found that 77 per cent of Australians support a total ban on gambling advertising. This sentiment is echoed by a Deakin University survey of children, who expressed concern that gambling ads corrupt young minds and that sports organizations are prioritizing revenue over the well-being of their audience. The federal government, led by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, announced proposed reforms that include time-of-day restrictions, limits on the number of ads, and a ban on online ads for users under 18. However, these changes have been criticized for not going far enough, particularly as they do not include a total ban. Public health expert Samantha Thomas argues that the government's response is a result of regulatory capture, where powerful industries like gambling, broadcasting, and sports have lobbied to weaken regulations. The landmark Murphy review, which recommended a full ban and a national regulator, has been largely ignored. Catherine Ordway, an expert on sports integrity, noted that the government chose a package of reforms over a full ban, which she believes ignores the extensive analysis and benefits of a complete ban. While the government claims its reforms will deliver significant socio-economic benefits, a full ban would yield even greater benefits. The pervasive nature of gambling advertising has normalized the activity, particularly among young men, who now view opening an online gambling account as a rite of passage. Despite the government's proposed changes, the deep integration of gambling into Australian sport and culture presents a significant challenge to reversing these trends.
(Source：ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation))