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Alliance criticises government’s reported gambling reform plans
In a move that has sparked significant debate, the federal government's reported plans to require parents to 'opt out' of gambling advertisements targeting children have been met with criticism. The Alliance for Gambling Reform, a leading advocacy group, has voiced its disapproval, arguing that the responsibility should not fall on parents to shield their children from the pervasive influence of gambling promotions.
Alliance criticises government’s reported gambling reform plans
In a move that has sparked significant debate, the federal government's reported plans to require parents to 'opt out' of gambling advertisements targeting children have been met with criticism. The Alliance for Gambling Reform, a leading advocacy group, has voiced its disapproval, arguing that the responsibility should not fall on parents to shield their children from the pervasive influence of gambling promotions.
Tim Costello, Chief Advocate for the Alliance for Gambling Reform, has been vocal in his opposition to the proposed reforms. “If these reports are a true and accurate reflection of the federal government's proposed response, then this is a package that the Alliance cannot support,” Rev. Costello stated. His comments highlight a growing concern that the proposed measures do not adequately address the widespread nature of gambling advertisements.
The government's purported plan involves allowing parents the option to 'opt out' of gambling ads on social media and streaming platforms. This approach contrasts sharply with the broader social media bans that have been implemented for other harmful content. Rev. Costello has expressed deep disappointment with this strategy, stating, “We would be bitterly disappointed if any online ban on gambling advertising was to be on an 'opt out' basis and only cover social media and streaming.”
The Alliance's criticism is rooted in the extensive evidence indicating the high levels of exposure children face with gambling advertisements online. Rev. Costello pointed out that children encounter these ads not only on social media and streaming services but also through pop-ups in games and even while conducting online research for school projects. “The government should not claim they are protecting kids from gambling advertising by asking parents to opt out of social media ads. The onus should be squarely on the gambling companies and the platforms,” he argued.
In addition to the 'opt out' mechanism, the government is reportedly considering other measures, such as limiting the number of gambling ads on broadcast television and extending the blackout on gambling ads around live sports events from five minutes to thirty minutes. However, these measures have been criticised by the Alliance as insufficient and superficial. Rev. Costello remarked, “If, as the Prime Minister has said, his government wants to minimise children’s exposure to wagering advertising, these initiatives won’t work. Such a piece-meal approach fails our children.”
The Alliance’s concerns are underscored by troubling statistics. Research indicates that 600,000 young Australians under the age of 18 are already engaged in gambling, collectively spending $18 million annually. If gambling were considered a sport, it would rank among the most popular activities for Australian youth, highlighting the urgency of addressing this issue comprehensively.
The Alliance for Gambling Reform is advocating for the implementation of all 31 recommendations proposed in the Murphy Report, a comprehensive set of guidelines aimed at curbing the influence of gambling advertisements on young Australians. These recommendations include a total ban on gambling ads across all broadcast and online platforms, the prohibition of gambling inducements and related advertising, and the establishment of a national regulator specifically tasked with reducing gambling-related harm.
“Australian children deserve to grow up in a country that puts their wellbeing before corporate profits,” Rev. Costello emphasised, reinforcing the Alliance’s call for more robust action from the government. The Murphy Report, led by the late Labor MP Peta Murphy, offers a blueprint for meaningful reform that the Alliance believes is necessary to protect young Australians from the harmful impacts of gambling exposure.
As the government continues to deliberate on its approach to gambling reform, the Alliance for Gambling Reform and other advocates will be closely monitoring the situation, urging for measures that prioritise the health and wellbeing of children over the interests of gambling companies. The debate over how best to shield young Australians from the pervasive reach of gambling advertisements remains a contentious and critical issue, with significant implications for the future of public health and safety in the country.
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