Parents should not have to ‘opt out’ of gambling ads that are bombarding their kids online, an initiative that would contrast starkly with the government’s blanket social media ban.
Media reports that the government is planning to make parents ‘opt out’ of gambling ads have been criticised by the Alliance for Gambling Reform’s Chief Advocate, Tim Costello.
“If these reports are a true and accurate reflection of the federal government's proposed response, then this is a package that the Alliance cannot support,” Rev. Costello said.
“We would be bitterly disappointed if any online ban on gambling advertising was to be on an 'opt out' basis and only cover social media and streaming.
“Given the immense body of evidence that shows the levels at which children are being exposed to gambling advertising online - not just on social media or streaming but through pop-ups on games and even when searching for information for a school project.
“The government should not claim they are protecting kids from gambling advertising by asking parents to opt out of social media ads. The onus should be squarely on the gambling companies and the platforms.”
The Alliance is also critical of other reported government plans such as limiting the number of gambling ads on broadcast TV and extending the blackout on gambling ads around live sport from 5 minutes to 30 minutes, which amount to tinkering around the edges.
“If as the Prime Minister has said, his government wants to minimise children’s exposure to wagering advertising, these initiatives won’t work. Such a piece-meal approach fails our children,” Rev Costello said.
“We await the full details of any such reforms, but we desperately hope that the reporting on the government’s plans is wrong – it will fall far, far short of the recommendations of the multi-party parliamentary committee recommendations led by the late Labor MP Peta Murphy.”
Research reveals that 600,000 young people under 18 are already gambling, spending $18m annually. If gambling were a sport, it would be one of the most popular sport among Australia’s youth.
The Alliance is calling on the government to introduce all 31 recommendations of the Murphy Report. This includes:
- Ban all gambling ads on all broadcast and online platforms so children are no longer exposed to gambling on their screens.
- Ban gambling inducements and inducement advertising, stopping companies from offering free bets and promotions that trap people, young and old, trying to walk away from gambling
- Establish a national regulator with a mandate to reduce harm
“Australian children deserve to grow up in a country that puts their wellbeing before corporate profits,” Rev. Costello said.
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:
Tim Costello is available for interview on 0411 633 446