Prominent Australians Demand Comprehensive Ban on Gambling Advertisements

A collective of prominent Australians is urging the government to enforce a total ban on gambling advertisements across the nation. With Australia holding one of the highest per capita gambling losses worldwide, the country experiences annual gambling losses estimated at AUD25 billion ($16 billion) despite its population of only 27 million. Gambling advertisements are omnipresent on television, radio, and billboards, while slot machines, colloquially known as “pokies,” are a common sight in many pubs, which further promotes excessive spending.

In an open letter directed to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and opposition leader Peter Dutton, over 60 notable Australians have called for a complete prohibition on gambling ads within the next three years. This plea aligns with recommendations from a 2023 report on gambling harm. The letter, signed by influential figures from politics, sports, unions, and religious communities, underscores the urgent need for action.

“Gambling advertising in Australia is out of control,” the letter asserts, revealing that one million gambling ads were broadcast on free-to-air television and radio within a single year. John Howard, a former prime minister and one of the signatories, voiced his concern, stating that gambling losses inflict “enormous harm” across the country.

Government studies estimate Australian gambling losses at AUD25 billion annually ($16 billion), marking a global record on a per capita basis. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many gambling venues were closed, losses still surpassed AUD24 billion ($15.7 billion) in the 2020-2021 financial year.

Martin Thomas, CEO of the Alliance for Gambling Reform, highlighted the need for a sweeping ban to shield children from the influence of gambling companies. He cautioned that any less comprehensive measures, such as capping ads or limiting them to social media, would serve special interests and fail to adequately protect Australians from the perils of gambling.

Thomas also pointed out the broader repercussions of gambling, including financial ruin, mental health issues, and family violence, warning that the consequences of inaction would be severe.

The letter garnered signatures from over 60 prominent Australians, including former prime ministers Malcolm Turnbull and Lucy Turnbull, former NSW premier Dominic Perrottet, and former Victorian premiers Jeff Kennett and Steve Bracks. Other signatories include former Australian of the Year and family violence prevention advocate Rosie Batty, former AFL champion Easton Wood, former Socceroo and broadcaster Craig Foster, and former champion skateboarder and Globe International founder Stephen Hill.

By fLEXI tEAM