Responsible Wagering Australia faces backlash over access to key decision-makers
Gambling lobby’s Parliament sports club ties draw fire from crossbench MPs.
Key points:
– RWA accused of gaining influence via parliamentary sports club
– Calls to remove its corporate membership
– Allegations of inappropriate use of suicide prevention event
As reported by The Guardian, crossbench politicians and integrity advocates have raised concerns over the gambling industry’s growing proximity to Australia’s political leaders, calling into question the role of Responsible Wagering Australia (RWA) in the Australian Parliament Sports Club.
RWA, which represents major bookmakers including Sportsbet, bet365 and PointsBet, is a corporate sponsor of the Australian Parliament Sports Club – a membership that grants access to informal gatherings attended by MPs and staff. Critics argue this sponsorship blurs the line between sport and lobbying.
Kate Chaney MP, who contributed to a previous inquiry urging a complete gambling ad ban, said RWA’s involvement risks entrenching gambling’s normalisation in political spaces. “The prime minister must reconsider RWA’s membership,” she urged.
The club, chaired by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, counts alcohol giants and fossil fuel firms among its members. Its CEO, Andy Turnbull, defended the initiative, claiming an “unwritten rule” forbids lobbying on the playing field.
Good to know: Corporate membership of the club starts at AU$2,500 (US$1,660) and includes access to over 200 parliamentarians at social functions
Senator David Pocock condemned a now-deleted LinkedIn post where RWA appeared to align itself with suicide prevention group Running for Resilience during a club-hosted event. The charity said it was unaware of RWA’s presence and was dismayed by the association, citing gambling’s known links to suicide.
RWA CEO Kai Cantwell denied any intent to lobby through the club. “Our regulatory work is conducted through formal channels,” he said, insisting participation was purely social.
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