Support for banning gambling advertising is widespread, according to new polling from The Australia Institute.
The polling found that:
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Three in four Australian’s (76%) support a total ban on gambling ads phased in over three years. This is an increase on the 72% reported in a similar poll conducted by Redbridge late in 2024.
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Four in five (81%) Australians support banning gambling ads on social media and online.
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Nearly nine in ten (87%) support banning gambling ads during prime time tv hours for family and children.
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More than three quarters (79%) support banning gambling ads in sporting stadiums and on players’ uniforms.
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More than three quarters (78%) agree that Australian government policies should aim to reduce the amount people spend on gambling.
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Four in five Australians agree that children are exposed to too many gambling ads (80%).
The Australia Institute surveyed 2,009 Australians between 18 and 25 February 2025. The survey has a margin of error of plus or minus 2.2%.
Chief Executive of The Alliance for Gambling Reform, Martin Thomas, said the results on the eve of the Federal election sent a strong message to our political leaders that there is a powerful community demand for change.
“It is clear that the vast majority of Australian voters support a total gambling ad ban, and yet the government has sat on its own parliamentary report that recommends such an action for almost two years now,” he said.
“With such a powerful move for change highlighted in this polling, it beggars belief that the two major parties are listening more to the gambling lobby and to other vested interests than they are to families across the country who are angry and demanding change.”
The poll found that more than half of Labour voters (55%) agree that the Albanese Government let down people harmed by the gambling industry by not implementing a ban on gambling advertising.
Most Australians across all voting intentions agree that the Australian government policies should aim to reduce the among people spend on gambling; including 84% of Green voters; 80% of Labor voters; and 77% of Coalitions voters.
Australians lose over $32 billion each year to gambling, the highest per capita spend in the world.
Earlier this month Equity Economics reported that gambling losses posed a bigger drain on the household budget of Australians than power bills and the financial burden of gambling was growing at a faster rate than housings costs. AGR MEDIA RELEASE
More than 37,000 people have signed a petition created by the Alliance calling for a full gambling ad ban.
Gambling harmis a massive public health issue, linked to poor physical and mental health, poverty and homelessness, criminal activity, family violence, and suicide.
MEDIA CONTACT: Martin Thomas (CEO of the Alliance) is available for interview on 0477 340 704
About us:
The Alliance is a national advocacy organisation which works to prevent and minimise the harm from gambling. Our aim is to remove the shame that surrounds gambling addiction, have the problem treated as a public health issue, and achieve the legislative changes needed to protect our communities. We bring together well over 60 organisations who share the objectives of preventing harm from gambling.
Contact details:
Martin Thomas (CEO of the Alliance) is available for interview on 0477 340 704