Swift Action To Stop Gambling Harms - Don't Bank On It


Reform supporters, medical experts and crossbenchers are collaborating to promote action on gaming as a landmark report on its damages collects dust 1000 days on.


Angry at inactiveness, advocates of betting reform are launching research about gambling companies trying to increase their appeal to young females to highlight the requirement for urgent government intervention.


Late Labor MP Peta Murphy bied far a report into gambling harms in June 2023, which recommended phasing out online betting advertising, suppressing incentives and setting up a national structure.


None of the 31 suggestions has actually been reacted to 1000 days later.


The federal government promotes its action on gambling reform, including prohibiting credit cards, introducing new taglines after advertisements and a self-exclusion register when it protects its record, but it hasn't attended to the report's major suggestions.


Former interactions minister Michelle Rowland had developed a policy that would have partially banned betting ads, including through per hour caps, however this was torpedoed by the prime minister's intervention before it was made public.


Independent MP Kate Chaney will present a personal member's expense prohibiting advertisements for online betting services, enacting a suggestion of Ms Murphy's report.


The ban would be phased in over 3 years and apply to free-to-air TV, social networks, streaming services and around sporting fields.


Australian Medical Association president Danielle McMullen said gambling causes immeasurable harm to households as Australians lose $31.5 billion each year.


"The committee led by Peta Murphy was crystal clear - partial bans do not work, and it is time to acknowledge that continuous industry pressure is harming Australians," Dr McMullen stated.


Social media promotions including celebs and influencers were increasing gaming's appeal to women, according to Deakin University research after a qualitative panel survey of 525 women aged between 18 and 40.


Using female celebs and influencers and content connected to women's interests made gambling feel more socially acceptable and relatable, according to the research study.


A second research study discovered methods like celeb recommendations, gambling inducements and direct-to-consumer marketing were normalising gaming, making it appear more positive and increasing betting.


Survey participants explained reward bets - in-app currency used by gambling business to boost an account's balance - making them feel like they had a higher opportunity of winning and that gaming was seen as a method to earn money in the context of cost-of-living pressures.


Independent senator David Pocock said the government's response was outrageous.


"To see betting business now targeting ladies in the very same method big tobacco did in the past is troubling and wouldn't have actually occurred if the federal government had actually acted," he said.


"There is no excuse for continuous inaction. Australians overwhelmingly support a full restriction on betting marketing and the Albanese federal government needs to proceed with providing it."