Australia prime minister Anthony Albanese came out fighting in the Australian house of representatives after an MP accused him of ignoring calls for an advertising ban, arguing campaigners were ultimately focused on banning gambling outright.
Speaking in parliament yesterday (11 September), Albanese was asked by MP for Warringah Zali Stegal whether he was “ignoring” calls for a complete ban on gambling advertising.
The prime minister pointed out more than 70% of harmful gambling stemmed from poker machines, and claimed around 15% of harmful play is caused by lotteries. “I’m yet to see anyone stand up in this place and advocate banning, completely, all advertising of lottery and lotto tickets.”
Gambling advertising around sport is too prevalent, Albanese added however. “We know that it can be really annoying, apart from anything else, when you’re watching sport. And we know that we want to take an approach which is responsible but makes a difference as well.”
Reform campaigners want “gambling stopped, full stop”
The PM said that his government – which “has done more to act against harmful gambling than any government in Australian history” – was consulting all sides as it formulated regulatory plans.
This included the anti-gambling lobby who “want gambling stopped, full stop”, he said.
“That’s a legitimate position for them to take, but it’s not one that I have, in terms of stopping all racing, for example, or stopping all gambling right across the board,” Albanese explained. “Because I think that that would have an impact and be an intrusion into people’s personal liberties which is not appropriate in my view.
“I do not believe that the state has an absolute right to determine the behaviour of individuals across the board.”
Speculation over gambling advertising measures continue
Albanese’s latest comments come amid ongoing speculation as to what form gambling advertising controls will ultimately take.
Last week, Albanese denied reports the government is moving ahead with plans to impose an immediate ban on online gambling advertising. Reports suggested gambling ads on TV would be limited over the next two years.
Albanese maintained no decisions have yet been made.
However, it appears almost certain the government will stop short of a full ban on TV and radio advertising. This approach was recommended in late MP Peta Murphy’s report on gambling advertising reform, which has been seized on by campaigners.
Anti-gambling groups, lawmakers and even former prime ministers have been highly critical of the government’s decision to go against the Murphy Report.
RWA: Over half of Australians don’t want online gambling ad ban
However a survey commissioned by operator association Responsible Wagering Australia (RWA) suggests most people in Australia support moderate gambling ad measures – and no online advertising ban.
The poll, conducted by Freshwater Strategy, found 56% want moderate restrictions on gambling advertising online. In contrast, 37% back a blanket ban.
When it comes to gambling advertising online, 37% of Australians see reducing childrens’ exposure as the priority. This is consistent with findings from a previous AFR Freshwater Poll. The earlier report found 70% of voters prefer options limiting gambling ads on TV and the time during which they can be seen, rather than a blanket advertising ban.
RWA chief executive Kai Cantwell said an online ad ban would only benefit the black market.
“International evidence shows that when you over-regulate legal markets, illegal operators will fill the void, targeting children and vulnerable people with predatory advertising,” he said in a press release published on Monday (9 September).
