Support for stronger gambling reforms

MORE than 90 per cent of Myall Coast residents who responded to a recent survey on gambling advertising supported stronger restrictions and tougher reform.

Almost one in three respondents said they, or a member of their family, had been negatively affected by gambling.

The survey, conducted by Federal Member for Lyne Alison Penfold MP, was designed to better understand community expectations around gambling advertising.

Federal Parliament is now considering legislation to impose new restrictions on gambling advertising and Ms Penfold sought to accurately represent her community’s position on the matter when considering proposed changes.

“The survey captured a range of perspectives and will help inform my contribution as Parliament considers whether the Government’s legislation gets the balance right,” Ms Penfold said.

While the Government’s proposal represents a significant tightening of the current rules, it falls short of the recommendations of the 2023 Murphy Review, which called for a comprehensive phased ban on gambling advertising and sponsorship over three years.

The Government’s legislation is currently the subject of a Senate inquiry, with stakeholders including broadcasters, sporting organisations, gambling harm advocates and public health experts providing evidence on whether the proposed reforms strike the right balance between reducing gambling harm and managing the economic impacts on sport and media.

“The results demonstrate there is strong community support for reform and that people want Parliament to take meaningful action to reduce gambling harm,” Ms Penfold said.

More than 90 per cent of respondents supported stronger restrictions on gambling advertising.

Of those surveyed:

71 per cent supported the Murphy Review’s recommendation for a complete, phased ban on all gambling advertising and sponsorship.

20 per cent supported the Government’s proposal to significantly restrict gambling advertising without banning it completely.

When asked to identify the highest priority for reform:

43 per cent nominated reducing gambling addiction and gambling harm.

38 per cent nominated protecting children and young people from gambling advertising.

7 per cent prioritised individual choice and personal responsibility.

2 per cent prioritised protecting sporting organisations, broadcasters and community clubs that rely on sponsorship revenue.

Together, more than four in five respondents identified reducing gambling harm or protecting children and young people as their highest priority.

Written responses raised a broad range of issues, including concerns about children being exposed to gambling advertising, the volume of betting advertisements shown during sporting broadcasts, the normalisation of gambling in sport and the devastating effects gambling addiction can have on individuals and families.

Other respondents emphasised individual choice and personal responsibility and cautioned against unnecessary government intervention.

Ms Penfold said the survey highlighted that Australians expect stronger protections than those currently proposed by the Government.

“While I welcome the fact that the Government has finally acted after years of delay, many people in our community believe the proposed reforms do not go far enough,” Ms Penfold said.

“The evidence presented to the Senate inquiry, together with the views expressed through this survey, make clear there is significant community concern about the pervasive nature of gambling advertising, particularly its impact on children and vulnerable Australians.”