Latest Media
Gambling industry showering our politicians in gifts - Hospitality offensive’ in overdrive as pollies consider gambling ad ban
Media Release - 1 October 2024
Gambling companies, racing clubs and their lobbyists are showering Australian Federal politicians with gifts, tickets and hospitality as our leaders continue to deliberate major gambling reforms including a total ban on gambling advertising.
Some 32 parliamentarians received 60 gifts in this session of parliament including tickets to shows, races, dinners and sporting events. And this is likely just the tip of the iceberg as only gifts worth over $300 must be declared. >>>READ MORE
Pope Francis saddened by sports gambling advertising - Pontiff’s warning is nowhere more pertinent than Australia
Media Release - 25 September 2024
The Alliance has welcomed Pope Francis condemnation of gambling advertising in which the pontiff said he was sad to see football matches and sports stars promoting betting platforms.
In a message to social justice groups, Pope Francis, expressed deep concern with online gambling and the misuse of networks, which affect not only the poorest sectors of society but all social classes.
“It makes me so sad to see football matches and sports stars promoting betting platforms,” he said. “That’s not a game; it’s an addiction… taking money from people, especially the workers and the poor … it destroys entire families,” Pope Francis said.
TIM COSTELLO & MARK KEMPSTER - Australia’s Sports Betting Addiction
7 October 2024
In the latest Behind The Mask Podcast episode, hosted by Josh Piterman, the Alliance’s Tim Costello and Mark Kempster tackle Australia’s gambling crisis. With just 0.33% of the world’s population, Australia houses 20% of all pokies and broadcasts 943 gambling ads daily.
They discuss gambling's impact on families, rising harm, and the urgent need for reform. Listen to Mark's journey, the effect of ads on children, and how Peta Murphy’s recommendations could make a difference.
Watch here.
𝗗𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗟𝗲𝘁 𝗚𝗮𝗺𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗛𝗶𝗷𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗔𝘂𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽
12 September 2024
Sports betting companies have infiltrated our national pastimes and are now dictating what mateship means to Australians.
Through targeted advertising, they are grooming our children for harm, normalising gambling as part of sports culture. This is not only dangerous but fundamentally wrong. Mateship should be about connection and community, not placing bets. It’s unacceptable that gambling is being woven into the fabric of what it means to be Australian. https://omny.fm/.../gambling-addiction-special-tim-costello
Alliance in Action
ONLINE GAMBLING
Online gambling participation has increased exponentially over the past few years and the true extent of its impacts on our communities are still being understood. However, the evidence currently available shows significant gambling harm being experienced online by young people and vulnerable community groups with a massive increase in online wagering companies profits over the past few years.
Key Documents:
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Advocates warn Northern Territory gambling reforms may leave public at risk - (Gold Cost Bulletin)
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NT gambling laws are being overhauled. Here's why reform will have national consequences (ABC News)
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A-Leagues Brandish Offshore Operator’s Logo in Overseas Broadcasts (Gambling News)
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Geelong man issues warning against online sport gambling after his addiction saw him land in jail (ABC News)
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Only one harm reduction group and 28 betting companies consulted over contentious NT gambling bill (The Guardian)
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Does anyone have a chance in a race against big gambling? (Alliance for Gambling Reform)
Media Releases:
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Alliance for Gambling Reform - 17 Apr 2024 Predatory gambling ads must be part of nation’s online safety regime
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Alliance for Gambling Reform - 20 Mar 2024 Fed Govt must strengthen limp NT online gambling laws - New NT laws fail to protect communities from rapacious foreign operators
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Alliance for Gambling Reform - 3 Mar 2024 Time to honour Peta Murphy and commit to real gambling reforms - Australian voters want end to the carnage caused by gambling that adds to cost of living pain.
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Alliance for Gambling Reform - 20 Dec 2023 Christmas a trigger for spike in gambling - Urgent plea for Prime Minister to act on gambling reforms
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Alliance for Gambling Reform - 7 Dec 2023 Alarming loopholes in gambling credit ‘ban’ - Gambling lobbyists hold sway over our politicians
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Alliance for Gambling Reform - 2 June 2023 Australia’s online gambling laws among the weakest in the world - Industry exploiting weak laws to groom children for a life of gambling
CALLING FOR AN END TO GAMBLING ADS
It's time to kick gambling ads out of sport! Sign the petition and find out more about how you can stand with us to end gambling ads here!
Sign the petition to #EndGamblingAds Here
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CEO of the Alliance, Carol Bennett, joined Ian Bunston on his podcast Monday Matters. They were joined by lived experience advocates Reggie Stockwell and Ken Bone who shared their “incredible stories, and incredible contributions back to the community”. The podcast focused on strategies to tackle gambling harm, in a powerful conversation (Monday Matters)
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‘Suddenly it’s cool’: children believe use of influencers in gambling ads makes it seem fun (The Guardian)
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Alliance for Gambling Reform - 4 Dec 2023 New poll: 70% of Australians want gambling ad ban - Compelling results Albanese government can’t ignore
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Alliance for Gambling Reform - 29 Sep 2023 Privacy reforms highlight need to protect children from harmful product marketing
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Alliance for Gambling Reform - 22 Aug 2023 Call to delay govt response to gambling ad ban
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Alliance for Gambling Reform - 22 May 2023 Bill to ban gambling ads on broadcasting platforms applauded - But ban must also be extended to ban social media platforms
CASINOS
The Alliance welcomed the recommendations in the independent external review of the Queensland operations of Star and Palaszczuk Government’s announcement to accept all the recommendations in principle. The Alliance also acknowledges the effort of the Queensland Government to replace terms such as ‘problem gambler’ and ‘responsible gambling’ in relevant legislation and replace it with wording to reduce stigma and shame. This is a positive, nation-leading step by the Queensland Government.
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Win for Crown Resorts as its Melbourne casino keeps state licence (The Age)
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SKC ASX : Another casino operator, SkyCity, is in trouble. Nobody is talking about it (Australian Financial Review)
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The Star not ready for unsupervised casino licence, chair says (Sydney Morning Herald)
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Queensland casinos to have cash limits, new penalties in gambling reforms prompted by Star report (ABC News)
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Crown casino licence: Why company will keep operating in Melbourne (The Age)
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The Star’s cash-out machines gave customers millions. Now they’re fighting fraud charges (Sydney Morning Herald)
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Alliance for Gambling Reform - 26 Mar 2024 Crown reprieve must be ‘last chance saloon’ Bolstered regulation and big fines have helped protect casino consumers and reduce gambling harm
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Alliance for Gambling Reform - 30 May 2023 $450m Crown fine would fund 10 years of gambling harm reduction - AUSTRAC action underscores need for a national gambling regulator
CASHLESS CARD
"Too important to fail." If Tasmania successfully progresses with its plans to introduce a mandatory cashless gambling card with binding and default limits , it will represent the ‘gold standard’ in reducing gambling harm and money laundering. It’s a move that is critically needed in Tasmania. We hope that no matter the outcome of the upcoming election, that this promise is not compromised. More with the Alliance's Tim Costello.
Key Documents:
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First NSW cashless gaming trial results criticised as further trials continue (Drinks Trade) - 24 Apr 2024
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Pokies venues bet on community goodwill over gambling revenue (Institute of Community Directors Australia)
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'Dud' policy or 'absolutely essential'? Battlelines drawn over the best ways to reduce gambling harm (Riotact)
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Joint Statement on Poker Machines in Tasmania (Tasmanian Times)
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Government refuses to release results of first cashless gaming trial (The Sydney Morning Herald)
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Gambling reform in Tasmania is too important not have bipartisan support (Alliance for Gambling Reform)
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Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff calls early election as pressure mounts on minority Liberal government (Sky News)
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Alliance for Gambling Reform - 27 Mar 2023 - ACT carded gambling a gamechanger to cut gambling harm - Staggering $1.2b lost by Territorians over last decade
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Tasmanian Liberals - 16 Feb 2024 Liberals committed to poker machine harm reduction, with new $100,000 exclusion scheme campaign
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Alliance for Gambling Reform - 10 Nov 2023 Cashless card trial expansion to cause more delays - Gambling industry ‘in control’ of sham poker machine trial
Alliance in the News
A surge of concern is sweeping across Australia.
The Alliance
11 Nov 2024
Fuelled by personal stories of addiction’s toll on families and com m unities, people are demanding change. Australians are acutely aware of gambling’s social costs. This growing sentiment signals to policy makers that the time for gam bling advertising reform is now.
With your continued endorsement and advocacy, we have the opportunity to:
🔹 Elevate the dialogue on this critical public health issue affecting millions of Australians
🔹Leverage your influence to protect vulnerable families and youth from predatory gambling advertising
🔹Use your respected voice to engage policy makers across party lines on an issue that clearly resonates with voters
🔹 Amplify our message in key electorates, strengthening the call for change
Government Eyes Ban on In-Stadium Gambling Ads – But Is It Enough?
ABC News
8 Nov 2024
The government is considering a ban on in-stadium gambling ads at AFL and NRL games, with discussions ongoing to also remove betting company logos from team jerseys. While The Alliance's Tim Costello, welcomes these steps, he argues it's not enough. Costello states, “If you want to protect children, you have to have a total ban. Every ad influences them to become a gambler.” The reforms fall short of a full ad ban, leaving concerns about the influence of gambling ads on young fans unaddressed.
The Fine Art of Regulating Without Meaningful Regulation
The Mandarin
10 Nov 2024
Bernard Keane in The Mandarin writes: “Betstop is faux regulation, something that gives the appearance that the government is trying to limit the damage the gambling industry does without actually inconveniencing that industry in any way from making money.”
In NSW and Victoria, casinos like Star and Crown continue to operate despite enabling money laundering and organised crime. Regulators seem more focused on preserving jobs than protecting the public from gambling harm. Betstop—a national self-exclusion register—is easy for problem gamblers to bypass, offering a false sense of protection while allowing the industry to profit uninterrupted.
These so-called safeguards prioritise revenue over public health, while politicians, influenced by donations from the gambling sector, avoid taking real action. Australia needs true regulation, not just appearances.
Nine Faces Pressure to End Gambling Ads
AAP
8 Nov 2024
The Alliance’s Tim Costello pressed Nine's board on gambling ads, questioning their responsibility as harmful content proliferates across Nine’s platforms. Alliance Voices Advocate Mark Kempster shared his struggle and noted the devastating impact of gambling ads on vulnerable viewers, calling for an end to their broadcast.
With Nine under scrutiny for workplace misconduct and falling share prices, now is the time for change. Support The Alliance in holding powerful companies accountable.
Tassie on the front line in fight to end gambling harm from poker machines
Hobart Mercury
9 Nov 2024
All eyes are on the members of the Tasmanian state Liberal government – willing them to stand firm with the Tasmanian people to stand against the gambling industry. “This bully industry is used to getting its own way, but someone has to stop it,” said Alliance Chief Advocate, Tim Costello.
"Right now, Tasmania is the front line in the fight to prioritise and protect the health, social, and economic wellbeing of people and communities over the super profits and political clout of vested interests," he said.
Why Won’t Albanese Commit to Real Gambling Reform?
Sydney Morning Herald
6 Nov 2024
"On everything else, Albanese seems to live in fear of annoying some interest group somewhere. So he always does something, but never enough." Gambling reform is no different. The recent half-measures on gambling ads show the government’s reluctance to stand up to powerful gambling interests.
With gambling companies profiting off people’s vulnerabilities, small steps won’t create the change needed. We need leaders with the courage to stand up to industry pressure and bring in comprehensive measures to curb gambling harm, protect families, and support communities. Australians deserve better.
Support #GamblingReform. Join The Alliance’s fight for meaningful change. Donate today.
October 2024
Newsletter
Ed's lowest point came when he found himself stealing from clients of the business he ran. He was sinking deeper into the cycle of gambling harm in a desperate attempt to recover lost money. This harm amounted to a total loss of nearly $1.8 million and ended in his imprisonment.
“My family found out through the media – imagine that, your own parents hearing about your arrest on the news. It was everywhere. Friends had their reputations hurt just by being associated with me. I lost nearly everyone close to me.”