An open letter has been signed by prominent figures in Australia that demands a government ban on all gambling advertising within the next three years, as they describe the situation as being ‘out of control.’
The letter was made publicly available over the weekend (on August 10) by the Alliance for Gambling Reform and features over 60 signatures including former prime ministers John Howard and Malcolm Turnbull.
It opens by saying “Australia has a gambling addiction,” before writing that it is leading to “$25 billion in annual losses.
“It is escalating devastating social harm including financial loss, health and mental health issues, partner violence, family break-up and suicide.”
The alliance suggests that “gambling companies are now grooming our kids by targeting children as young as 14 through social media,” but the details around this accusation haven’t yet been shared.
“Our children are also being targeted by the tsunami of gambling ads that assault our screens, especially around coverage of our major sporting codes. It is ensnaring a whole new generation of gamblers.
A study found that one million gambling ads had been aired in one year in Australia
The letter states that “one million gambling ads” have been aired on free-to-air television and radio in just one year.
In 2023, politician Peta Murphy delivered a landmark gambling report that included numerous recommendations for the government to adopt.
While the government has had the report for some time now, nothing yet has been accepted or denied.
The open letter expands on the report: “We the undersigned urge the Government and the Opposition to publicly commit to the swift adoption and implementation of all 31 recommendations of the Murphy Report parliamentary inquiry into online gambling.
“This includes a 3-year, phased-in ban on all gambling advertising and the banning of inducements and promotions especially around sports betting which are unethically used to ensnare people who want to stop gambling.”
Now, Australian politicians in power face more pressure to address these issues and call for efforts to be made to consider the Murphy Report recommendations.
Featured Image: Via Ideogram
