Former Prime Ministers Call for Ban on Gambling Ads

Published: 16 August 2024

2 min

In a bold move, a group of Australia’s most influential figures, including former prime ministers, have united behind an open letter demanding a complete ban on gambling advertising.

This unprecedented action underlines the severity of Australia’s gambling crisis and calls for immediate and comprehensive regulatory changes.

Key Takeaways

Over 60 influential Australians, including ex-Prime Ministers John Howard and Malcolm Turnbull, have called for a ban on gambling ads.
The call is based on the Murphy Report’s recommendations, addressing the harmful impacts of online gambling.
Australians lose an estimated $25 billion annually to gambling, leading to widespread social issues.
The signatories highlight the normalisation of gambling among youth, with a staggering exposure to ads.
A push for the government to enforce all 31 suggestions from the Murphy Report, including a phased ban over three years.

The Coalition Against Gambling Ads

Over 60 prominent Australian figures have made a significant move, urging the federal government to clamp down on the pervasive presence of gambling ads.

This concerning call to action is primarily grounded in the devastating findings of the Murphy Report, a comprehensive parliamentary inquiry led by the recently passed MP Peta Murphy, which spotlighted the blight of online gambling in Australia.

A Cultural Addiction with Dire Consequences

The open letter does not mince words, stating unequivocally that “Australia has a gambling addiction.”

The staggering annual loss of approximately $25 billion to gambling lays bare the extent of the crisis. The societal ripple effects are profound, leading to financial ruin, mental health issues, escalating domestic violence, shattered families, and tragic instances of suicide.

Targeting the Next Generation

Perhaps most alarming is the deliberate targeting of young Australians.

Vivid anecdotes and research, including shocking figures from Nielsen, reveal that children as young as 14 are inundated with gambling ads on social media and traditional broadcasts. Over a million gambling ads dominated free-to-air TV and radio in a single year, embedding gambling firmly in the Australian cultural landscape and presenting it as a norm to impressionable young viewers.

Calls for Urgent Action

Echoing the sentiments of many Australians, former Prime Minister John Howard expresses deep concern over the ubiquity of gambling advertisements.

The letter firmly advocates for the implementation of all 31 recommendations from the Murphy Report. This includes a gradual ban on gambling ads, particularly emphasising the removal of promotions tied to sports betting, seen as a critical step in protecting Australian youth.

The Road Ahead

As these high-profile figures exert pressure on the Albanese administration, Australia finds itself at a crossroads regarding its future approach to gambling regulation.

While there are moves to limit gambling ads during general viewing times, the demands of the open letter go much further, seeking a total abolition to safeguard against the entrenched gambling culture. Opposition from the sports and media sectors, which stand to lose significant revenue streams, complicates the path forward.

However, the clear message from former leaders and concerned citizens alike is that the time for half-measures is over. The welfare of Australia’s youth and the broader community is at stake, prompting a nationwide debate on tackling this pervasive issue.