Online gambling advertising should be banned say parents ahead of parliamentary inquiry (18 Sep 22)
Article summary: This article sheds light on the pressing issue of online gambling and its pervasive advertising, which has led to significant financial and emotional distress for many Australians. The story of Rod and his son Ollie, who lost $25,000 to online gambling, underscores the ease with which young people can fall prey to this addiction, exacerbated by aggressive advertising tactics. Ollie's journey from betting on sports to gambling on ice hockey in Estonia illustrates the dangerous allure and accessibility of online betting platforms. Despite self-exclusion efforts, the relentless nature of gambling ads and promotions makes it challenging for individuals like Ollie to escape the cycle of addiction.
The article highlights a growing concern among parents and the broader community about the impact of online gambling ads, particularly on young people. This concern has sparked a federal parliamentary inquiry into online gambling and its regulation. The inquiry, led by Labor MP Peta Murphy, aims to examine the effectiveness of current legislation and regulatory frameworks in reducing harm and preventing problem gambling. The inquiry will also explore the pervasive nature of gambling advertising and its normalisation within sports culture, reflecting widespread anxiety about the influence of such ads on children's perceptions of gambling.
Kate Chaney, the independent MP for Curtin and a member of the parliamentary committee, emphasises the direct link between advertising exposure and gambling addiction stories like Ollie's. Chaney points to research indicating that a significant portion of Australian children view betting on sports as normal, with many able to recall multiple betting agencies. This normalisation is further evidenced by data showing a gambling ad is broadcast every two minutes on free-to-air TV in Australia, highlighting the saturation of gambling marketing and its potential impact on vulnerable individuals.
The article calls for a reevaluation of the role of advertising in promoting gambling and suggests that a ban on online gambling ads, akin to the prohibition of cigarette advertising, may be necessary to protect public health and prevent further harm. This discussion is timely and critical, as it addresses the urgent need for comprehensive reform to safeguard individuals, especially young people, from the risks associated with online gambling.