News

28 June 2025

On the second anniversary of the tabling of the landmark parliamentary report “You Win Some, You Lose More” - widely known as the Murphy Report - crossbench MPs and Senators have urged the Albanese government to ban advertising for online gambling.

Australians hold the grim title of the world’s biggest gambling losers per capita. In 2024 , on average, Australians lost nearly $2,500 each — roughly equivalent to a year’s worth of electricity bills. Apart from financial loss, gambling also causes devastating social harm including mental health issues, partner violence, family break-ups, and suicide. Online gambling is the fastest growing form of gambling, fuelled by saturation advertising at sporting events and in our media.

The Murphy report, tabled by the Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs to the House of Representatives on 28 June 2023, achieved a rare committee consensus, presenting 31 comprehensive recommendations aimed at better regulating online gambling in Australia.The Government failed to respond to this report within the expected six months.Two years later, there is still no response.

Crossbench MPs this week wrote to the Minister for Communications and Sport, the Hon. Anika Wells, urging her to provide a formal response to the report and, most urgently, asking for immediate action on Recommendation 26, which calls for a comprehensive ban on all forms of advertising of online gambling, to be introduced in four phases over three years.

Three in four Australians back a phased total ban on gambling advertising over three years. Four in five support banning gambling ads across social media, online platforms, stadiums, and players’ uniforms.

Gambling harm is not just a personal issue—it’s a public health crisis. Australians need our government to have the will and the courage to act to protect them.

Quotes attributable to crossbench MPs:

Zali Steggall MP: For two years, the government has bowed to lobbying pressure and made excuses instead of taking evidence-based action on gambling advertising reform. I’m increasingly concerned—and frankly, a little cynical—that sport and communications have been combined under one minister this term. It only increases the risk of further delays and watered-down reform. Australians deserve leadership that puts public health ahead of vested interests.

Dr Monique Ryan MP: Australians have lost $50 billion on gambling since the Murphy report was released. Our young people are being targeted by a predatory industry, and our government is failing to protect them. The gambling industry gives millions every year to the political parties. This is a public health issue and a social issue. Politicians should stop being swayed by lobbyists and donors, and we should ban online advertising by the gambling industry.

Kate Chaney MP: Gambling giants, media companies, and sports codes are cashing in on the harm caused by online gambling. Kids are growing up thinking gambling is just part of sport. It’s time the Government put people before profits. This isn’t a fair fight—predatory algorithms are targeting vulnerable Australians, and we’re paying the price.

Senator David Pocock: It’s appalling that two years after the late Peta Murphy’s landmark report into online gambling harm, and after a full term of a Labor Government, the Prime Minister has failed to take any meaningful action to ban, or even limit, gambling advertising. The situation is now so ridiculous that parents have reported their children hearing gambling ads between Disney songs on Spotify. I urge the re-elected Albanese Government to put our communities ahead of vested interests and phase out gambling ads.

Andrew Wilkie MP: Over the years I’ve listened to hundreds, maybe thousands, of heartbreaking accounts from people whose lives have been destroyed by gambling harm. Yet every day, children and adults are bombarded with ads encouraging them to participate in the predatory gambling industry. The Government must stop bending the knee to gambling companies, media networks and the big sporting codes. Nothing short of a total ban on gambling advertising will do. Until then, the Government is complicit in the harm.

Dr Helen Haines MP: While gambling ads continue to flood our screens, the only winners are the gambling industry. By banning gambling advertising, we can help reduce the enormous social harm being wagered against young people and the vulnerable and support people in their battle against addiction.