Online gambling ads

The Murphy inquiry, led by Labor MP Peta Murphy and supported by members from both parties, suggested a complete ban on gambling advertising, which would be introduced gradually over three years.

The Australian government has yet to respond more than a year after receiving the recommendations.

Australians lose over $32 billion each year to gambling, the highest per capita spend in the world.

Gambling harm is a massive public health issue, linked to poor physical and mental health, poverty and homelessness, criminal activity, family violence, and suicide.

The Committee’s Recommendation

The Australian Government, with the cooperation of the states and territories, implement a comprehensive ban on all forms of advertising for online gambling, to be introduced in four phases, over three years, commencing immediately

Phase One: prohibition of all online gambling inducements and inducement advertising, and all advertising of online gambling on social media and online platforms. Removal of the exemption for advertising online gambling during news and current affairs broadcasts. Prohibition of advertising online gambling on commercial radio between 8.30-9.00am and 3.30-4.00pm (school drop off and pick up).

Phase Two: prohibition of all online gambling advertising and commentary on odds, during and an hour either side of a sports broadcast. Prohibition on all in-stadia advertising, including logos on players’ uniforms.

Phase Three: prohibition of all broadcast online gambling advertising between the hours of 6.00am and 10.00pm.

Phase Four: by the end of year three, prohibition on all online gambling advertising and sponsorship.

The Australian and Queensland Governments are delaying because of the influence of big money.

But it is ordinary people who vote and can make a difference.