The nation’s leading gambling reform advocacy group, the Alliance for Gambling Reform, has launched a Giving Tuesday appeal for funding of its work to reduce gambling harm.

The Alliance is in a David vs Goliath battle against powerful gambling interests such as Clubs NSW to limit the damage being done in communities right across Australia. The current push by the Alliance for cashless gambling across Australia follows the NSW Crime Commission findings that billions of dollars from the proceeds of crime and money laundering were being poured into the State’s poker machines.

The Alliance’s Chief Advocate, Tim Costello, said the Alliance receives no federal or state government funding and is reliant on donations for its operations. “With the NSW Premier’s public support of a cashless gambling card there is now a once in a generation opportunity to introduce real gambling reform, but it is being fiercely resisted by Clubs NSW which has very deep pockets,” he said. “The same situation is being mirrored in other jurisdictions where the gambling industry are pushing back hard against any sensible reforms that might reduce their profits.” 

Without increased funding support, the Alliance will need to limit its activities to particular communities. Rev. Costello is seeking donations and sponsorship from government, business, philanthropists and the public in order to continue the critical fight to reduce the terrible toll gambling takes in so many families. “Many people tell me they are fed up with the power and reach of gambling across our screens, on our phones, online, capturing our sport, and teaching our children that gambling is a fundamental part of the Australian way of life. But if we want change, we need to support one of the only independent organisations in the country pushing back against gambling interests,” Rev. Costello said.

You can donate here: DONATE | ALLIANCE FOR GAMBLING REFORM (agr.org.au)

Media contact: Martin Thomas – 0477 340 704

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. See here for a gambling language guide for journalists.