Media Releases

I welcome reports that the Albanese Government is finally moving to tighten gambling advertising rules. But I am concerned by reports that online gambling advertising will not be addressed.

Capping TV ads and extending blackout periods are modest steps forward. But if the reports are correct, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will not tackle the fastest-growing and most harmful form of gambling promotion: online advertising.

The late Peta Murphy’s report outlined a comprehensive plan, including a phased ban on all forms of online gambling advertising.

Online gambling ads prey on children and young people, normalising betting and grooming the next generation of gamblers. By leaving online advertising largely untouched, the government would put big business ahead of the wellbeing of Australians.

Australians lose an average of $1,600 per person each year to gambling - a figure that represents real financial stress, mental health impacts, and family harm. Families need protection, not half-measures that leave the most dangerous ads untouched.

Past governments have shown the courage to act decisively on social harms, by banning tobacco advertising and introducing plain packaging - even in the face of powerful commercial interests. If the Prime Minister fails to ban online gambling advertising, it would demonstrate a troubling lack of courage and conviction.

The Albanese Government must deliver stronger action on online gambling advertising as an urgent priority.

I strongly urge Australians, particularly those in Labor-held seats, to write to their local MPs and demand decisive action on online gambling advertising to genuinely protect children, families, and communities.