Federal government report says online gambling ads should be axed for good
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Although the thrill of the occasional punt on the Melbourne Cup or a friendly wager among friends over a game of backyard cricket might be part of the quintessential Aussie way of life, we're also acutely aware of the darker side of the gambling coin.
In a new report presented to the federal government, it's been recommended that, within three years, all online gambling advertisements should be tossed out the window permanently.
This rallying call to action is part of a broader set of 31 recommendations resulting from an intensive study conducted by The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs. They cast their keen eyes on the sprawling landscape of online gambling and its impact on Australians.
'Australians are the biggest losers in the world when it comes to gambling,' stated Dunkley MP and Committee Chair Peta Murphy.
Australia, best known for sunny skies, sprawling beaches, a fondness for cricket, and a good BBQ, also has a darker side.
According to Murphy, 'We have a culture where sport and gambling are intrinsically linked. These behaviours are causing increasingly widespread and serious harm to individuals, families, and communities.'
The list includes a hefty levy on online gambling services, establishing a robust system for online gambling's national regulation, appointing an ombudsperson to ensure fair judgement and a widespread public education initiative.
Ms Murphy highlighted how the bombardment of gambling advertisements was everywhere and inescapable, pointing out the alarming trend of simulated gambling through video games.
'It's grooming children and young people to gamble and encourages riskier behaviour,' she explained. For those of you with kids and grandkids, that's a concern worth pondering.
She advocated for a phased and comprehensive ban on online gambling advertising, giving sports codes and broadcasters ample time to seek alternative advertisers and sponsors.
The committee has also suggested clamping down on illegal gambling websites to ensure additional protection for vulnerable internet users.
You can access the report and the comprehensive list of recommendations on the inquiry website.
If gambling has become an overwhelming aspect of your life or that of a loved one, rest assured that help is readily accessible. You can reach out to the National Gambling Helpline at 1800 858 858 or take advantage of online counselling services, state or territory-based assistance programs, and the supportive network offered by Gamblers Anonymous.
These resources are designed to provide comfort and support whenever needed, day or night. Best of all, these services are free, confidential, and accessible around the clock.
Whether these recommendations find their way into law or not, we hope that this dialogue continues, raising awareness about the pitfalls of excess in gambling and the very real dangers it poses. After all, as we always say, 'A punt should be for fun, not the road to ruin.'
What are your thoughts, folks? Do you agree with these recommendations? Let us know what you think in the comments below!
In a new report presented to the federal government, it's been recommended that, within three years, all online gambling advertisements should be tossed out the window permanently.
This rallying call to action is part of a broader set of 31 recommendations resulting from an intensive study conducted by The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs. They cast their keen eyes on the sprawling landscape of online gambling and its impact on Australians.
'Australians are the biggest losers in the world when it comes to gambling,' stated Dunkley MP and Committee Chair Peta Murphy.
Australia, best known for sunny skies, sprawling beaches, a fondness for cricket, and a good BBQ, also has a darker side.
According to Murphy, 'We have a culture where sport and gambling are intrinsically linked. These behaviours are causing increasingly widespread and serious harm to individuals, families, and communities.'
The list includes a hefty levy on online gambling services, establishing a robust system for online gambling's national regulation, appointing an ombudsperson to ensure fair judgement and a widespread public education initiative.
Ms Murphy highlighted how the bombardment of gambling advertisements was everywhere and inescapable, pointing out the alarming trend of simulated gambling through video games.
'It's grooming children and young people to gamble and encourages riskier behaviour,' she explained. For those of you with kids and grandkids, that's a concern worth pondering.
She advocated for a phased and comprehensive ban on online gambling advertising, giving sports codes and broadcasters ample time to seek alternative advertisers and sponsors.
The committee has also suggested clamping down on illegal gambling websites to ensure additional protection for vulnerable internet users.
You can access the report and the comprehensive list of recommendations on the inquiry website.
If gambling has become an overwhelming aspect of your life or that of a loved one, rest assured that help is readily accessible. You can reach out to the National Gambling Helpline at 1800 858 858 or take advantage of online counselling services, state or territory-based assistance programs, and the supportive network offered by Gamblers Anonymous.
These resources are designed to provide comfort and support whenever needed, day or night. Best of all, these services are free, confidential, and accessible around the clock.
Key Takeaways
- A new report to the federal government recommends that online gambling advertisements should be banned in Australia within three years.
- The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs has proposed 31 recommendations addressing online gambling and its impacts.
- Suggestions include imposing a levy on online gambling services, establishing a national regulation of online gambling, introducing an ombudsperson, and initiating a public education campaign.
- Dunkley MP and Committee Chair Peta Murphy highlighted the inescapable nature of online gambling adverts, which she says groom children and young people to gamble and encourage riskier behaviour.
Whether these recommendations find their way into law or not, we hope that this dialogue continues, raising awareness about the pitfalls of excess in gambling and the very real dangers it poses. After all, as we always say, 'A punt should be for fun, not the road to ruin.'
What are your thoughts, folks? Do you agree with these recommendations? Let us know what you think in the comments below!