Australian gambling helpline urges blanket ad ban to protect vulnerable players and children
The government is considering a watered-down version of the blanket gambling ad ban proposed in the Murphy Report in 2023.
A capping system will limit ads to two per hour until 10pm, while ads will be banned during the hour before and after a live sports broadcast.
“Australians are the highest gambling nation per capita in the world, losing $25bn every year,” SHARC CEO Clare Davies said, referencing a Australian Gambling Statistics report which states expenditure hit $25.9bn in 2018-19, although no source is given.
“The cost is more than just financial – gambling not only negatively impacts those who gamble, but also their families [and] friends.”
Davies believes that some operators “appear to target children” through endorsements with sports and media personalities in Australia.
SHARC’s letter also highlighted data from a 2016 report on gambling related harm in Victoria, which links gambling to mental-ill health, family violence, poverty, alcohol and drug use and homelessness.
An alliance of former politicians, including ex-prime ministers John Howard and Malcolm Turnbull, has also expressed support for the total ad ban due to an increase in “devastating” social harm, including financial loss, health and mental health issues, partner violence, family break-up and suicide.
The group sent a letter to the government in August demanding they ban all gambling advertising within three years.
The final government response is expected shortly, according to Addisons Gambling Law partner Jamie Nettleton. Then the proposal will need to be implemented through legislation filed in parliament.
Government united on protecting children
Government ministers have dismissed a total ban, as a lack of gambling ad revenue would put free-to-air media in the country “under attack”.
Minister Bill Shorten said the government’s Murphy Report response should focus on measures that will protect children from gambling, including restricting in-stadium and sports jersey sponsorships.
Similarly, shadow minister for finance and public services Jane Hume said the Liberal party’s policy to ban ads during sports broadcasts would seek to protect children watching sports with their parents.
Meanwhile, the Australian Institute thinktank has advised on a 2% levy on operator revenue that would help to replace lost advertising income.