A group of prominent Australians is calling on the government to implement a complete ban on gambling advertisements in the country.
Australia is known for having some of the highest per capita gambling losses in the world. With a population of just 27 million, the land down under sees annual gambling losses estimated at AUD25 billion ($16 billion). Gambling ads are pervasive across television, radio, and billboards, while slot machines, commonly known as “pokies” in the country, are a common feature in many pubs, further encouraging spending.
In an open letter addressed to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and opposition leader Peter Dutton, more than 60 notable Australians urged a total ban on gambling ads within three years, echoing recommendations from a 2023 report on gambling harm. The letter was signed by figures from politics, sports, unions, and religious communities.
“Gambling advertising in Australia is out of control,” the letter stated, highlighting that one million gambling ads were aired on free-to-air television and radio within a single year. John Howard, a former prime minister and one of the signatories, expressed his concern, stating that gambling losses cause “enormous harm” across the country.
Government studies estimate Australian gambling losses at AUD25 billion annually ($16 billion), a global record on a per capita basis. Even during the COVID 19 pandemic, when many gambling venues were closed, losses still exceeded AUD24 billion ($15.7 billion) in the 2020-2021 financial year.
Martin Thomas, CEO of the Alliance for Gambling Reform, stressed the need for a comprehensive ban to protect children from gambling companies’ influence. He warned that any lesser measures, like capping ads or restricting them only on social media, would favor special interests and fail to protect Australians from the dangers of gambling.
Thomas also pointed to the broader consequences of gambling, including financial ruin, mental health issues, and family violence. The cost of inaction, he argued, would be severe.
The letter was signed by more than 60 prominent Australians including former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull, Lucy Turnbull, former NSW premier Dominic Perrottet, and former Victorian premiers Jeff Kennett and Steve Bracks.
Other signatories include former Australian of the Year and family violence prevention advocate Rosie Batty, former AFL champion Easton Wood, former Socceroo, broadcaster, social justice and human rights campaigner, Craig Foster and former champion skateboarder and founder of Globe International, Stephen Hill.
