Federal Member for Mayo, Rebekha Sharkie, plans to introduce a Private Members Bill that would ban Gambling Advertisements on TV, radio, in print and online.
The ‘Interactive Gambling Amendment (Ban on Gambling Advertisements) Bill 2023’ would ban advertising of certain licensed interactive gambling services including telephone and online gambling, on television, radio, in print and online.
It comes as Australian Institute of Family Studies research shows three in four Australians having gambled at least once in the past year, and almost half of them (46 per cent) at risk of harm from betting.
Sharkie said she is seeking community support for a petition on the matter as well as the support of other elected Members, before presenting the petition results to the Minister, and introducing her Bill on 22 May.
“The 2023 Australian Institute of Family Studies report highlights concerning links between gambling advertising and increased betting. Not only are Australians increasingly targeted by gambling advertising, but we now know that seeing or hearing such advertising leaves many at risk of gambling harm,” Rebekha Sharkie said.
“In March 2023 I met Harry, a young man who has experienced great gambling harm, losing $400,000 in just a few years. His family has been a great support, but Harry can no longer enjoy the simple pleasure of watching sport with them as it makes him want to gamble,
“If people wish to gamble then that is their call, but we don’t all need to be reminded 1,000 times a day. Most Australians have made it clear they want gambling advertising banned.”
The Petition EN4998 to Ban Gambling Advertising on TV, Radio and Online is available to view and sign via e-petitions – Parliament of Australia (aph.gov.au) by 11.59pm on 10 May 2023.
File photo of man holding phone and credit card, by Anete Lusina, via pexels.com
