The Alliance for Gambling Reform strongly supports the motion to be put to the Tasmanian Parliament that would ban gambling advertising and sponsorship across all state-owned or state-funded venues.
The motion is a joint initiative by Independent Member for Nelson, Meg Webb and Independent Member for Clark, Kristie Johnston MP.
The motion to be tabled in the Upper House this week would also include any gambling logos on players’ uniforms, consistent with recommendations made by a 2023 Federal parliamentary inquiry into online gambling and its harmful impacts.
Spokesman for the Alliance, Mark Kempster, said the organisation strongly supported the motion, which would set a precedent for other states in the absence of meaningful Federal Government reform on gambling advertising.
"This motion is an absolute no brainer for both houses of parliament in Tasmania to agree to,” Mr Kempster said.
“Gambling harm is a public health issue in this country and gambling advertising is grooming the next generation of Australians to believe you need to bet on all sport to enjoy it, when we know that is so far from the truth.”
Mr Kempster said Tasmania had a real chance to lead Australia with significant gambling reform policies like this motion.
“I urge the government to pass these motions and stand up to the gambling industry in this state and country. They failed to do so on poker machines, they cannot make the same mistakes twice,” he said.
“Gambling advertising is no different to cigarette advertising and needs to be treated the exact same way."
Australian Gambling Research Centre data reveals around 3 million Australians are engaged in harmful gambling activities, with young people aged between 18 and 24 almost twice as likely to be in the high-risk category compared with other age groups.
About us:
The Alliance for Gambling Reform is a national advocacy organisation working to reduce gambling harm in Australia. We partner with other organisations and with local councils to reduce the alarming level of gambling harm in Australia, we work to change the laws and rules governing the gambling industry. We do not seek to ban gambling. Rather we seek to influence government to minimise the harmful behaviours of the gambling industry and to give voice to those who are impacted by gambling harm.
Contact details:
Mark Kempster, Advocate 0400 311 113