The Queensland Treasury reports that the average gambling loss per adult in Australia is currently AUD 1,555 (EUR 942), up from AUD 1,307 (EUR 792). Martin Thomas, CEO of the Gambling Reform Alliance, emphasized that the current regulatory system fails to protect the public. "Australians lose more money to gambling than any other nation due to our imperfect regulatory system," said Thomas. He highlighted that these losses have broad social consequences, affecting individuals, families, and communities across the nation.
Advocating for the full implementation of the Murphy Report
The Gambling Reform Alliance urges the Albanese government to adopt all 31 recommendations of the Murphy Report, including a complete ban on gambling advertising.
"These latest shocking loss figures highlight the importance of the federal government adopting all 31 recommendations of the Murphy Report, including a complete ban on gambling advertisements on broadcast media and online. It also underscores the necessity of establishing a national gambling strategy and a national regulatory body," Thomas said.
The Murphy Report, led by the late Labor MP Peta Murphy, found that gambling advertisements are normalizing online gambling and affecting young people's gambling behaviors. However, the government has not yet fully implemented the recommendations of the report.
Public support for the advertising ban is growing
A poll by Red Bridge shows that 72% of Australians support a complete ban on gambling advertisements. The alliance is also pushing for the introduction of cashless gambling cards and preset loss limits to reduce the harm caused by slot machines. "Only by taking these measures can we address the harm caused by slot machines and tackle the issue of criminal proceeds flowing into pubs and clubs," said Thomas.
