Australia’s Alliance for Gambling Reforms has sent an open letter signed by 60 prominent figures, including former prime ministers, premiers, MPs, sportspeople and figures in academics and businesses to push for a ban on gambling ads.
The open letter was addressed to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, calling them to commit publicly to “implementing the 31 recommendations from the Murphy Report” to stop the proliferation of gambling ads targeted at Australians, especially towards children.
The ban would also cover inducements and promotions used to entice people who were trying to quit gambling.
Former Prime Minister John Howard said: “Many Australians are alarmed about the proliferation of gambling advertising on our screens and the mounting losses through gambling... 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.”
Alliance for Gambling Reform CEO Martin Thomas added :“A total ban on all gambling advertising is essential to stop gambling companies targeting our children… 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.”
A recent report on ACMA’s actions throughout April to June 2024 showed the effort taken to protect Australian citizens from illegal gambling and illegal gambling advertising, with the Kayo case serving as a recent example.
