Independent Member for Clark, Andrew Wilkie, has seconded Member for Mayo, Rebekha Sharkie’s, Interactive Gambling Amendment (Ban on Gambling Advertisements) Bill to ban all online gambling advertising.
“I am constantly told by constituents that they are sick to death of the incessant gambling advertising campaigns,” Mr Wilkie said. “These advertisements seek to normalise gambling and foster a culture among Australians, and particularly younger Australians, of continuous betting. This is nothing short of predatory. In a country where sport and gambling are inseparable, legislation is desperately needed to minimise the risk of harm from gambling and gambling advertising.
“The impacts of online gambling can be devastating. I’ve heard countless stories about the toll gambling addiction has on people’s finances, relationships, employment and mental wellbeing. Tragically some people are even driven to suicide. It is unconscionable that we allow the gambling industry to continuously coerce vulnerable people into parting with their money. This has to end now.
“It’s now just been over a year since the Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs, chaired by the late Ms Peta Murphy, released its report into online gambling and its impacts on those experiencing gambling harm. But the Federal Government still hasn’t responded to the report, or enacted any meaningful reforms to combat gambling advertising. This is entirely unacceptable.
“It’s way beyond time for the Government to stop kowtowing to the gambling industry, the media and the big sporting codes, and instead focus on protecting Australians from predatory industries like this by banning all online gambling advertising. Until that happens, people, including children will continue to be exposed to gambling ads that normalise the practice.”