The Alliance for Gambling Reform in Australia has sent an open letter signed by 60 notable figures, including former prime ministers, state governors, legislators, athletes, and leading professionals from academia and business, calling for the prohibition of gambling advertisements.
This letter, addressed to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the opposition leader Peter Dutton, urges them to publicly commit to implementing the 31 recommendations of the Murphy Report to prevent the widespread advertisement of gambling targeting Australians, especially children.
The ban also encompasses enticements and promotions used to attract people to quit gambling.
Former Prime Minister John Howard commented, “Many Australians are shocked by the proliferation of gambling ads on screens and the escalating losses due to gambling… As a dedicated sports fan, I am disturbed by how these ads have become intertwined with all major sports and the message this sends to our children.”
Martin Thomas, CEO of the Gambling Reform Alliance, added, “A total ban on all gambling advertisements is crucial to prevent gambling companies from targeting our children. The ads pervade the spaces of children, and those wishing to quit gambling are lured by exploitative and unethical temptations and promotions.”
A recent report on actions taken by ACMA from April to June 2024 highlights efforts to protect Australian citizens from illegal gambling and related advertisements, with the Kayo case being a recent example.
