Did you know that children under the age of 11 see more gambling ads on TV than anyone else in Australia?

Australia has a gambling problem. Aussie punters lose $25 billion a year gambling, making us world leaders at losing. But it’s not just money we are losing. A parliamentary inquiry led by late Labor MP Peta Murphy documented the harms beyond financial loss – family and relationship breakdowns, health problems, unemployment, mental illness and risk of suicide.

These 2023 findings led to calls for a blanket ban on gambling advertising that have been backed by prominent figures from the world of sport, unions and community organizations, as well as across party lines.

Yet, despite the widespread agreement on a total ban the Albanese government looks set to propose a set of watered-down laws on gambling advertising.

The Labor government is proposing a limit of two gambling ads per hour on each channel until 10pm, a ban on gambling during children’s programs and in the hour before and after a live sport event, as well as a total ban on social media and digital advertising. On field ads and jersey logos are not covered in the proposed laws, allowing betting agencies to keep blasting their advertising into Australian homes while families watch live sport.

These reforms fall well short of the blanket ban championed by Ms Murphy.

We know the damage gambling causes. Ms Murphy’s inquiry showed us in black and white just how destructive it is.

We must urge the Labor government not to back down on a blanket ban if it is serious about Australians’ health and wellbeing.

Join us in demanding a total ban on gambling ads.

Sign the petition now.