IN THE NEWS

A new report by Transparency International Australia reveals the Commonwealth ranks near last for lobbying transparency. At least eight former federal ministers, advisers, and one state premier have taken up roles promoting gambling. “Former federal ministers can start lobbying straight out of office with impunity,” the report warns. With no independent watchdog and lax rules, the revolving door keeps spinning—putting gambling profits ahead of public interest.

Coburg RSL shows a better way—thriving without pokies by embracing its community. But across Victoria, many RSLs still rely on gambling revenue, risking both their survival and the wellbeing of veterans.

Alliance CEO Martin Thomas says: “With their new president, we would be calling on the RSL to start that change to remove pokies machines from their venues, or at the very least to be at the vanguard of a carded play system that we know from all the evidence greatly reduces the harm that happens.”

For the first time, South Australians lost over $1 billion in a single year to poker machines. The Alliance’s CEO Martin Thomas warns gambling losses are "spiralling out of control", with Australians losing $32 billion annually.

He said: "People go without food, people quite often can't pay their rent and it has dire consequences for families."

This is gambling harm on an industrial scale – and it’s tearing apart communities. It’s time for urgent reform.

Online gambling in Europe surged to 38.6 million users in 2024—a 19% increase in just one year. Alongside this, gambling harm is rising sharply among young people.

Nearly 1 in 4 students aged 15–16 reported gambling in the past year. Online gambling among girls has tripled since 2019, and the number of students showing harmful gambling behaviours has nearly doubled to 8.5%.

Experts warn: "environmental and contextual factors play a more significant role in initiating gambling behaviour..."

After being bombarded with bonus bets, texts and calls—even on the same day Tabcorp flagged her as a problem gambler—Jenny is now buried in $900,000 of debt. “They tend to sort of groom you like a scammer... it definitely is,” she said. Despite opting out of marketing, Tabcorp labelled her a VIP and pushed her to keep gambling. Regulators fined the company $4.6M. Now Jenny is launching a landmark lawsuit: “I am hoping for change. This is the only way to stop these companies.”

After pulling its same-game multi ads from TV, Sportsbet has now flooded the AFL website with “bet now” promotions — a move that shows self-regulation is broken.

The Alliance for Gambling Reform’s chief executive, Martin Thomas, accused Sportsbet of “virtue signalling” by removing its ads from television and then “resorting back to type” by splashing them on the AFL’s website.

For Mark Kempster, the 2020 AFL Grand Final was his turning point. “It was my rock bottom… I’d gone from a young bloke who loved sport, loved life, to someone who hated himself. And I still couldn’t stop.” He hasn’t placed a single bet since that night.

Now five years free from gambling, Mark – an Alliance Voices Advocate – dedicates his time to raising awareness and supporting others. He shares his story in schools, community events and media interviews, determined to reach young men before gambling takes hold. He also mentors dozens who have reached out after hearing his journey, offering hope and guidance through their own battles.

Alliance CEO Martin Thomas warns: “What we finding is there is a massive surge in sports betting, using your phone. All the advertising is trying to make it part of your peer group and socially acceptable. I think that’s probably driving the growth.”

Reflecting on his own experience, Mark says: “That’s how it gets you. Not all at once. Bit by bit, until you don’t even recognise yourself.”

A gambling company made over half its January profits from just 20 so-called “VIP” customers, according to an ASX statement by Pointsbet. The rival company warned of “meaningful risks associated with a VIP-heavy customer base” and rejected a takeover offer tied to those operations.

Gambling harm is being fuelled by targeting high-risk individuals. The government must act on the Murphy report and ban all gambling ads.

A long-awaited trial to reduce gambling harm is set to launch in Monash, where pokies losses topped $10.8 million in May alone. From September, all gamblers at local venues must use a YourPlay card to set daily time and loss limits, with restrictions on how often those limits can be changed.

Alliance Chief Advocate Tim Costello welcomed the move, saying he was “very relieved” and adding, “We know the technology works.” He criticised NSW’s approach, stating, “It’s a trial of technology we’re doing, not whether punters like it.”

The Alliance’s Rebecca Paterson stressed the urgency of wider implementation: “We don’t have a clear understanding of the overall timeline that the minister’s aiming for.”

Online gambling influencers are drawing in young audiences with live-streams that glamourise poker machines and online slots — platforms like Kick and Twitch are making gambling harm look like fun. “Young Australians who are active online can be more vulnerable and gambling influencers may be putting people that follow them at real risk of harm,” said the ACMA. The Alliance is calling for an ad ban across all media: “[It] would prevent anyone — underage or not — from being exposed to people intending to influence gambling behaviour using tactics designed to mislead or glamorise gambling.”

Kids as young as 14 were found inside pokies lounges at venues run by Australian Leisure and Hospitality Group (ALH). The magistrate declared: “This will happen again.” ALH, partly owned by billionaire families, admitted guilt but refused a good behaviour bond — fearing they’d breach it. Despite repeated offences, no ALH venue has ever lost its pokies licence. This isn’t just oversight. It’s a broken system that enables gambling harm.

"Australians are assailed by 1 million gambling ads a year." That’s grooming kids to gamble—and it’s why 600,000 children gambled $18 million last year. Yet the government still hasn’t acted on the Murphy Report’s bold reforms, two years on. But hope is rising. As Tim Costello writes, “There is a strong case to start moving towards a national strategy that treats gambling as a health issue.” The public is ready: 76% want all gambling ads banned. Let’s demand action before more harm is done.

While Griffith loses millions to pokies each year, Rankins Springs’ Conapaira Hotel stands proud — no poker machines, just real community. “The negative impact pokies have on rural towns is undeniable,” said Alliance CEO Martin Thomas. The more #PokiesFreePubs that we have the closer we are to future with less gambling harm.

"We’ve got to keep putting pressure on people. If you're as annoyed—and as worried—as I am, along with the 75% of Australians who consistently say in surveys that they don’t want these ads, then you need to speak to your local MPs. Put pressure on them to implement the Murphy Report. It had bipartisan support—one of the few inquiries to ever achieve that—so we just need to keep pushing. Let your local MPs know that we don’t want these advertisements on TV anymore. Hopefully then, the government will start to take us seriously."

Appearing on FIVEAA Mornings with Graeme Goodings, Alliance Advocate Mark Kempster slammed the government’s failure to act on the Murphy report—two years after its release.

An ACT audit has slammed the Gaming and Racing Commission for failing to monitor poker machine venues' compliance with mandatory reporting laws — even though it had access to the data. Incidents of gambling harm and self-exclusion breaches were often reported weeks late or logged inaccurately. The Commission also showed "poor processes" in overseeing investigations into licensee breaches.

Gambling harm is rising, while oversight is falling. It's time for real accountability.

Gambling harm cost Victoria over $14 billion in 2022–23. Pokies are driving the damage — two-thirds of losses came from those experiencing the most harm.

Louise* was just seven when she first noticed jewellery and household items disappearing from her home. Her mother was selling furniture and appliances to fund her gambling addiction. By the time Louise turned 14, the situation had reached a devastating turning point.

"I came home one day when I was 14 years old to find I didn't have a home anymore," said Louise, now an Alliance Voices Advocate. "We'd also go a few days at a time without much to eat."

Alliance CEO Martin Thomas said: “Everyone is being harmed here — not just the gamblers, but their families, workplaces, and the broader community. The government knows that mandatory carded play is the gold standard for reducing harm from gambling. It's time for Labor to put their foot down and demonstrate their progressive credentials, their commitment to social justice, and the people they represent."

Research showing that the costs of gambling to Victorian’s have doubled requires the government to speed up their ‘landmark reforms’ and implement mandatory carded play in all Victorian pubs and clubs urgently said Alliance for Gambling Reform CEO, Martin Thomas.

The report, Social Costs of Gambling to Victoria 2023, commissioned by the government to update the previous report from 2014-15 examined both tangible and intangible costs of gambling across 2022-23 to Victoria associated with all forms of gambling.

This iconic clash is about skill, rivalry and passion – not gambling ads. But they're everywhere, hooking our kids and corrupting the game we love. We're fighting to protect the future of footy from predatory betting advertising.

Bright blue lights in casinos, pokie venues, and gambling websites might be driving riskier behaviour. Flinders University research reveals blue-enriched lighting dulls our sensitivity to losses, making it easier to gamble away money. “Under bright, blue-heavy light… the $100 loss didn’t appear to feel as bad,” said lead author Dr Alicia Lander. This lighting, common in gambling environments, could be quietly shaping gambling harm.

It’s time to rethink how these venues manipulate people through design. Support real reform.

Most Australians want gambling ads gone — and the Murphy Report lays out a 31-step plan to do just that. But two years on, the government still hasn’t responded. Why? According to The Alliance’s Chief Advocate Tim Costello: “It’s not the public that’s the problem here. It’s the vested interests.” Powerful players like the AFL, NRL, and big broadcasters are profiting — while children are exposed and harmed.

It's time to prioritise health over profit. The public is ready. The plan is ready. The delay must end.

A Melbourne man says he was offered $25,000 by a gambling company—on the condition he withdraw a complaint, stay silent, and protect the company from bad press. Gordon Burns, 23, blew hundreds of thousands with no intervention from two gambling companies.

Alliance CEO Martin Thomas said: “It makes a mockery of the complaints system if this is the process that happens. Governments must do more to protect Australians.”

Despite mounting evidence of harm, Australian governments remain reliant on revenue from poker machines. "Almost 30% of Victorians who play gaming machines experience gambling harm," said Former Victorian Gaming Minister Melissa Horne. Pokies prey on the most vulnerable, especially in disadvantaged areas. Yet governments rake in billions — with Victoria alone expecting nearly $3 billion from gambling in 2025-26. Western Australia proves it’s possible to thrive without pokies outside casinos. We must demand reform and protect our communities from this preventable harm.

PointsBet has been fined over $500,000 for sending hundreds of gambling ads to people who had chosen to block themselves via BetStop. “Spamming those people is like giving an alcoholic a bottle of whiskey,” said Dr Charles Livingstone. Alliance advocate Tim Costello added, “If America’s blind spot is guns, ours is gambling.” It’s time the government acted on its own inquiry and created a national gambling regulator.

This episode on ABC Radio National, presented by Sana Qadar, features experts unpacking how video games, shopping sites, and social media normalise gambling-like behaviours—especially for young people. In Australia, gambling is being embedded into everyday life. We need to push back against the industries priming the next generation for gambling harm.

Australia’s online gambling regulator has backed down—again. The Northern Territory Racing Commission quietly scrapped a vital new code of practice just weeks before it was due to begin. The reforms would have forced gambling companies like Bet365, Sportsbet and Ladbrokes to increase transparency and better protect people from gambling harm.

Why the backflip? The Commission claimed the code might cause “confusion” with possible federal reforms—reforms that still haven’t appeared nearly two years after a damning parliamentary inquiry called for a national watchdog and a ban on gambling ads.

In the meantime, gambling losses have soared to $31.5 billion.

“The entire country is being held to ransom by the Northern Territory and its ongoing lax approach to regulation, licensing and enforcement.” —Rebecca Paterson, Director of Policy at The Alliance

At just 17, Dylan was a rising cricket star. Now 28, he says gambling has “destroyed my life in every way, really,” costing him $300,000, friendships, and his mental health. His habit began in school, fuelled by easy online access and peer pressure.

“Young people are subject to an absolute torrent of gambling messaging... Online is a bit of a wild, wild west — and influencers are a huge part of that."

This is the real cost of unchecked gambling advertising. It’s time for stronger regulation. This election day, ask yourself: is your local candidate protecting our kids and supporting real gambling reform?

Roblox users like Merrick Wolski are raising alarms as gaming feels "blatantly" like gambling. A new report reveals "manipulative practices that cost people money, time, [and] their well-being," while Australia's outdated classification system fails to protect young players. It's time to stand up against gambling harm disguised as gaming fun.

Tasmania’s pledge to end greyhound racing subsidies by 2029 is a wake-up call for the rest of Australia. A $50m annual saving could be made if Victoria followed suit – yet millions are still poured into an industry built on “animal cruelty and gambling harm.” As Martin Thomas, CEO of The Alliance, puts it: “It is appalling that we are pouring money into something that is socially destructive.” It’s time to end public funding of cruelty. Support real reform.

We're proud to welcome the City of Casey as a Leadership Council!

Alliance Leadership Councils are key partners in our pursuit of an Australia free from gambling harm - taking action, influencing policy, and standing up to industry power.
Is your council doing the same? If not, they're missing out.

One in four poker machines in NSW clubs could be open to money laundering and terrorism financing, AUSTRAC has warned. The regulator says compliance provider BetSafe has “systemically failed” to meet anti-money laundering obligations.

Mounties Group, one of the state’s biggest club operators, is now facing Federal Court action after $139.9 million in suspicious gambling was linked to just 10 people.

AUSTRAC chief Brendan Thomas put it bluntly: “This isn’t a victimless crime… Every time a criminal puts money through a gaming machine and makes it clean, it means crime is profiting and that money can be reinvested into other criminal activity.”

BlueBet let one man lose $700,000 in four months—despite clear red flags like gambling $40,000 in 11 hours. Instead of stepping in, they gave him VIP status, bonuses, and a personal manager whose commission was tied to his losses. When he ran out of money, they topped up his account with bonus bets. Only after he texted, “I wish I had been pulled up earlier by you guys,” was his account finally closed. The regulator called BlueBet’s behaviour “extremely concerning” but fined them just $53,380—less than 10% of his losses.

https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/9029266/ministers-coy-on-gambling-reform-as-advice-kept-secret/

Ministers still haven't responded to the 2023 Murphy report calling for a total ban on gambling ads and inducements. Now, with key advice kept secret and briefing documents heavily redacted, calls for transparency are mounting.

Senator David Pocock slammed the secrecy: "Pages of redacted information shows how much this government doesn't want to talk about gambling reform or a proper response to the landmark Murphy review."

Max, one of the Alliance’s Voices for Gambling Reform, lived through 25 painful years of gambling harm from poker machines. His story is one of devastation — but also of hope.

At his lowest, Max used pokies to escape depression: “I found life dull and boring in between gambling binges… I used the pokies to self-medicate depression.”

But recovery became possible through connection in local groups: “I laughed until I was crying. I hadn’t laughed like that since I was a teenager, 30 years before.” He credits a 12-step program and mental health support group Grow with giving him his life back. Now more than a decade free from gambling, Max is sharing his story to help others.

Another gambling company has breached critical gambling safeguards by targeting 273 self-excluded Australians with marketing messages. The ACMA found the company also failed to promote the BetStop register in over 2,300 notifications — a clear violation of mandatory rules.

These breaches highlight how gambling companies are failing to protect those who have taken steps to reduce harm.

The Alliance is calling for stronger protections to ensure gambling companies cannot ignore the rules with impunity.

It’s been over two years since Peta Murphy's report, known as the ‘You win some, you lose more’ report was tabled—yet still no government response. A draft has existed for over 7 months, but the public is being denied access. Why the silence on gambling harm?

As Rex Patrick says: “Addressing the harm that gambling is doing to the community just doesn’t seem to be a priority for the Albanese government.”

We can’t afford more delays. People’s lives are at stake.

The new Rugby League 26 game has stripped all gambling and alcohol ads from player jerseys, with a focus on protecting young players under 18.

“We believe that gaming is being used to introduce kids to gambling... What is sad, is that it is working,” said Martin Thomas, CEO of The Alliance.

With 600,000 kids aged 12–17 gambling $18 million last year, it’s time to act. Let’s ban gambling ads in games—for good.

Australians lose nearly $13 billion to poker machines each year—and at least $10 billion of that comes from people gambling beyond safe limits. That’s 84% of losses tied to gambling harm, not so-called ‘responsible’ play.

When most pokies profits are built on harm, it's time regulators stopped pretending this industry is just harmless fun.

A survey of all Tasmanian election candidates has revealed that 51 potential MPs are committed to fight for the introduction of a ‘gold standard’, poker machine cashless card in the next session of parliament.

However, the Alliance’s Chief Advocate, Tim Costello, is alarmed that while the public strongly backs reform the two major parties are retreating with no candidates from either the Liberals or Labor expressing their support.

“This election is a critical opportunity for Tasmania to finally tackle the horrendous damage that gambling is wreaking on this state,” Rev. Costello said.

“After both the major parties previously committed to a gold standard, mandatory, pre-commitment, cashless card, it is alarming to witness the collapse of this support in our poll of candidates due to the bullying of a ruthless gambling industry.”

Rev. Costello said it was critical that Tasmanians put pressure on their local candidates to support nation-leading reform.

The AFL Fans Association is calling on footy fans nationwide to complete the 2025 National Fan Survey. Your voice can drive real change. This is an opportunity to send a message to the AFL that we want to stop the gambling ads.

Two years after the landmark 'You win some, you lose more' inquiry, Australians are still waiting for action on all 31 recommendations. The AMA says government inaction lets gambling companies “flood sports broadcasts with predatory advertising,” while losses now exceed $31.5 billion a year — more than aged care funding.

Dr Danielle McMullen warns: “Every day of delay means more Australians fall victim to an industry that profits from harm and despair.”

The Alliance stands with medical experts demanding a total ad ban, child protections and an independent regulator.

It’s now over two years since the “You Win Some, You Lose More” report called for urgent gambling reform. But the government still hasn’t acted on its most critical recommendation: a total ban on gambling advertising.

Alliance Voices Advocate Mark Kempster, who bravely gave evidence to the inquiry, says: “If the government think they’re doing enough, I can tell them right now they’re costing lives.” He describes feeling abandoned after years of advocacy.

Alliance CEO Martin Thomas says the inquiry was “a perfect blueprint”—but warns: “The government has a choice between vested interests and the majority of Australians.”

Enough delay. Gambling harm is rising.

In Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, pokies are stealing nearly $8 million every week — from communities least able to afford it. “They’re all in the poorest postcodes. It’s a profound social injustice,” said The Alliance’s Chief Advocate Tim Costello. The damage is far beyond dollars: families torn apart, lives lost. “I’ve done a number of funerals of people who out of shame and guilt took their lives.” Despite two decades of calls for safer gambling through carded play, the State Government continues to delay. “The State… has profoundly failed its duty of care.”

This week’s National General Assembly of Local Government in Canberra is themed 'National Priorities Need Local Solutions'. The Alliance is on the ground, showing attendees just how much gambling harm is costing their communities.

Imagine if every council joined our Councils for Gambling Reform—we’d build a national force for real change. Let’s take local leadership to the federal level.

Join us. Back reform. Donate today.

New findings have shed light on just how far-reaching the effects of gambling really are—not just for those placing the bets, but for the people around them and the community as a whole. A landmark ACT survey reveals 1 in 6 adults are affected by gambling harm. Young men face the highest risk, especially through pokies and online gambling. “Young men are more likely to engage in high-risk forms of gambling—and they’re the most likely to experience harm from their own gambling,” said Associate Professor Alex Russell.

“The latest research is showing that 85% want some form of restrictions on gambling advertising… even those who vent tell us they're so sick of the amount of ads.” – Martin Thomas, CEO of The Alliance

Despite this, the federal government remains silent. We're calling for a total ban on gambling ads—just like we did with tobacco. Too many are losing homes, lives, and futures. It's time to end this harm.

🎧 Listen to Alliance CEO Martin Thomas discuss this issue at length with Rob Cameron on Front Page.

But for families, the real fight is against the flood of gambling ads hijacking the game.

Let’s make this the last Origin season kids grow up thinking betting is just part of sport.

Donate to our EOFY appeal today.

The Alliance is calling out major flaws in Labor’s self-exclusion scheme, BetStop. "There’s gaps and holes in BetStop. Companies that are serious about evading the scheme can still do so," said Chief Advocate Tim Costello.

Loopholes let people keep gambling using alternate ID, while some companies ignore rules entirely. We’re demanding stronger enforcement, expansion to cover all gambling forms, and a public awareness campaign funded by gambling operators.

Former NT Chief Minister Shane Stone joins John Howard in calling pokies a "grave social evil" plaguing Indigenous communities. With one machine for every 50 people in Alice Springs, the NT suffers more gambling harm per capita than any other state. Stone regrets not acting sooner: “If I’d had the courage of my convictions, I would have wound back the [poker machine] numbers.” The Alliance stands with those demanding bold action to cap pokies and stop governments from profiting off social misery. It's time to break the cycle.

Great letter to the editor by Janice Creenaune backing Victoria Devine’s call for urgent action on gambling ads. “Those most at risk are targeted,” she writes—a stark truth in a cost-of-living crisis. Gambling companies exploit vulnerability, and it’s time the PM delivers on promises to rein in this predatory industry.

Let’s protect families from gambling harm.

Former PM John Howard has slammed poker machines as a “grave social evil,” urging national action and accusing Anthony Albanese of inaction: “It looks like Albanese has gone to water... I couldn’t be more critical.” Alliance Chief Advocate Tim Costello agrees: “The states regulating is like Dracula in charge of the blood bank.” It’s time for national reform, not silence. The Alliance stands with all voices calling for urgent change.

Australia’s gambling crisis is drawing international attention. In an article by Denmark correspondent Meike Wijers, Anzac Day traditions like two-up are shown to highlight how deeply gambling is woven into Australian culture – but behind the "innocent game" lies a national crisis. Australians lose over $31 billion every year to gambling – that’s more than the government spends on aged care.

Gambling harm is linked to financial devastation, domestic violence, and even suicide. Despite strong public support for reform, successive governments have failed to stand up to the gambling industry’s influence. "Many Australian families spend more money on gambling than on their energy bills," says Alliance CEO Martin Thomas.

To read this article in English: Right Click > Translate to English.

The Alliance’s latest press release, awarded Press Release of the Month by Medianet editors, exposes a shocking truth: 600,000 underage Australians are gambling. That’s enough to fill the MCG six times over. Released during the 2025 federal election campaign, it calls on all political candidates to back the 31 urgent recommendations from the Murphy Inquiry—especially a full ban on gambling ads. “This isn’t political—it’s about protecting kids,” said Alliance CEO Martin Thomas. The message is clear: protect children, not gambling profits.

🚫 End gambling ads.
🧒 Protect kids.
🗳 Demand action.

This election day, ask yourself: is your local candidate protecting our kids and supporting real gambling reform?

The Alliance has reached over 20,000 voters across key marginals—Brisbane, Gilmore, and Deakin—pressuring major parties to commit to real gambling ad reform before the May 3 election.

Young Australians are growing up surrounded by gambling ads. They name the brands, recite odds, and see classmates gambling in class. One father said: “It’s advertised to children every day of the week when they watch their favourite sport stars, so they think it’s normal.”

Senator David Pocock nailed it: “What I’m hearing from people here in the ACT that I represent is that this [gambling harm] is not the direction they want to go in.”

Ask if your local candidate supports gambling reform this election.

Include a Charity Week is all about asking an awkward question to friends, family, colleagues - anyone who will listen. So here goes...

Do you plan to include a charity in your Will?

Gifts in Wills help charities all over the world. At the Alliance for Gambling Reform, the gifts we’ve received through Wills have helped us continue our campaign for gambling reform over the past 10 years.

But we realise that writing a Will can be expensive. So, we’ve partnered with Gathered Here, Australia’s most trusted online will platform, to bring you access to 100% free online Wills with unlimited free updates for life!

“The NSW Government has helped itself to approximately $2.9 billion (25 per cent) of the top 25 clubs’ pokies profits over 10 years, in stark contrast, and here’s the kicker, the clubs’ community-based donations equal $0.2 billion (2.2 per cent).” More with Michael West media.

The Alliance has pulled its support for the Allan government’s cashless pokies trial, slamming it as a failure to deliver on promises to reduce gambling harm. The trial, set to launch in 43 venues, ditches mandatory loss limits—a key safeguard for people at risk.

“It is a complete waste of time to have a trial where the pre-commitment feature that could cap your losses is not mandatory,” said Chief Advocate Tim Costello. “Instead, it is opt-in – like having opt-in brakes on a car. We fear that the true motivation of this trial is to kick it into the long grass.”

Sportsbet secretly programmed an AI chatbot to “subtly” promote itself—using the voice of AFL personality Kane Cornes. Dubbed “CornesGPT,” the bot mimicked Cornes’ persona while quietly boosting Sportsbet with “casual approval or admiration.”

Despite widespread promotion, SEN deleted all related content without explanation. Professor Samantha Thomas warns: “This is a high-tech industry… and the problem we have is that government regulation has not kept up with the technology.”

Gambling companies are evolving—so must our protections.

Support real reform. Donate now to The Alliance.

AustralianSuper has dropped over $26 million in shares from poker machine giant Aristocrat from its ‘socially aware’ fund. The Alliance’s CEO Martin Thomas called the move “highly significant”, stating: “the recognition from our largest superannuation fund that gambling stocks are not an appropriate investment in an ethically minded fund is highly significant.”

This is a clear message: gambling harm has no place in ethical investing. But why are default funds still investing billions in poker machines?

Foxtel aired a gambling ad during an AFL match without the required harm warning—and claimed it wasn’t really “promotional.” ACMA disagreed, but all Foxtel got was a press release and training.

Martin Thomas, CEO of the Alliance for Gambling Reform, says ACMA must do better at being a trusted regulator:

“It is alarming. The prime purpose of ACMA is to enforce the code and protect the public. By sharing media releases it, at the very least, has an appearance of a cosy relationship with the industry, and appearances are just as important as reality.”

Victorians have lost a staggering $3.145 billion on poker machines in 2024/25, fuelled by a massive $115 million jump in losses in just 12 months.

The accelerated annual loss represents the largest year on year jump in losses in Victoria’s history – outside of those figures affected by the COVID shutdown.

And this spike in losses comes in a year where changed venue operating hours should have led to a fall in losses. New uniform venue closing hours from 4am-10am each day were in effect for all but two months of the 2024/25 financial year.

The Alliance’s Rebecca Paterson has welcomed the upcoming pokies card trial in Greater Dandenong, calling it a vital step in tackling gambling harm.

“This is something we’ve been advocating for long time so we’re very excited that at least a trial is happening with intention that this will become permanent,” she said.

The trial will require players to use a card to set spending limits—an evidence-backed method Paterson says helps reduce harm to “individuals’ families and communities.”

While ClubsNSW handed out trophies for “community service,” the real winners are poker machine profits. Mounties, Wests Leagues, Revesby Workers, and more were all celebrated—despite skyrocketing gambling losses in their LGAs. One club’s net profit per machine hit $35,868.

In reality, just 3.5% of profits are spent on the community, while billions are drained from people suffering gambling harm. “Winners” of awards in “mental wellbeing” and “social inclusion” are also among the state’s top poker machine profiteers.

Help us expose this hypocrisy and end gambling harm.

The federal government is being pushed to release a secret 32-page draft response to the Murphy report, which unanimously recommended phasing out gambling ads. Despite broad political support, Labor has delayed action for over two years. “One of the biggest failures of the last parliament and a wrong I hope we can right this time,” said Senator David Pocock. Each delay means more people are harmed by constant gambling advertising—especially on TV, social media, and through inducements. The time for transparency and reform is now.

Doctors are calling for urgent action against influencers glamorising gambling on social media. The Australian Medical Association warns this “shocking” trend targets young people and fuels gambling harm. Dr Danielle McMullen says, “They are clearly targeted at young people and seek to glamorise what is a dangerous habit and not one we would encourage people to take part in.” Meanwhile, the cost of gambling harm in Victoria has doubled to $14 billion. Our laws are failing to keep up.

NSW’s top gaming regulator has called out the pokies industry in explosive terms, stating it has “no social licence to rape and pillage the community.” ILGA chair Caroline Lamb’s comments, made during a legal breakfast, triggered backlash from the Gaming Minister—but she’s not backing down. Her warning highlights how harmful poker machine operations—especially late-night hours—can be to communities.

Two years after a powerful inquiry led by the late Peta Murphy MP, not one of its 31 recommendations to reduce gambling harm has been implemented.

Alliance Chief Advocate Tim Costello says, "We have literally given our kids over to sports betting companies as fodder for their profits."

The government’s delay means more lives destroyed, more children groomed, and more profit for the gambling industry. It’s time for urgent reform.

👉 Join The Alliance in demanding action. Donate today.

The Alliance is hiring a Partner Engagement Manager to build powerful coalitions and drive policy reform. This part-time, remote role is ideal for someone with strong relationship-building and communication skills, passionate about social justice and reducing gambling harm. Applications close 18 July 2025.

💪 Be part of the movement to end gambling harm. 👉 Apply now!

It’s been two years since the Murphy Report — and the government has done nothing. Mark Kempster joined ABC’s Hack to expose the constant targeting by gambling companies:

"When they know you're a big gambler and they've got you on the hook, they'll send you so many different promotions. It's the same as if you were trying to get off cigarettes, and having someone walk in and offer you a cigarette every day, or every hour. You're not going to be able to get to a point where you can fix yourself because you just have it in your face so much."

We want Peta Murphy’s inquiry report fully implemented, including all 31 recommendations. That means banning gambling ads, banning inducements, and creating a National Regulator. ▶️⌚6m8s

Tabcorp's push to lure more gamblers into pubs with "happy hours" and inducements is a direct result of government delay in acting on the Murphy Review.

Martin Thomas of The Alliance warns: "Australia’s infamous title as the biggest gambling losers in the world will only get worse without action, as reflected in these latest moves by Tabcorp."

It’s time the government stopped stalling and implemented all 31 recommendations to reduce gambling harm.

Ban Gambling Ads: Two Years Since Murphy Report

Join The Alliance and others for a powerful panel marking two years since the Murphy Report. Over $50 billion lost to gambling—and still no reform. It's time to end gambling ads.

📅 Wed 26 June, 6–7:30pm
📍Balwyn Park Centre, VIC
🎥 Livestream: https://www.youtube.com/live/sMscAUR2pEI

Hear more from Rev Tim Costello, Kate Chaney MP, Samantha Thomas, Ron Issko, and hosts Monique Ryan and Zoe Daniel. Let’s demand change.

A damning report has exposed NSW's failure to protect communities from gambling harm. The state’s 87,749 poker machines raked in $8.4 billion last year—yet just two high-risk venues had their licences reviewed since 2019.

Martin Thomas, CEO of The Alliance, said: "NSW already has more poker machines than any other jurisdiction, more than almost any other part of the world, so it is appalling that the numbers of machines is still increasing despite the rhetoric about reducing the number of machines."

While venues profit, western Sydney communities are losing entire salaries to poker machines.

The NSW government must act swiftly to protect the community after a damning report found it is failing to reduce harm from poker machines across the state’s pubs and clubs which cost $8.4billion in losses in just one year.

The NSW Auditor-General’s Regulation of Gaming Machines report also revealed the number of gaming machines across the state has increased in the past two years despite an explicit legislative push to reduce the number of machines.

More than 900,000 teens gambled last year, thanks in part to over a million gambling ads on free-to-air TV. Online gambling now dominates, yet none of the 31 reforms from the landmark Murphy review—including a total ad ban—have been adopted. Even worse? MPs took $245,000 in sports freebies while stalling action.

“Australians do not like being flooded by messages and inducements to gamble online and worry about the effect this is having on children and young people.” – Murphy review

But before a ball is kicked, our kids are facing a relentless barrage of betting ads.

Let's make Origin about the legendary rivalry, not a game hijacked by gambling ads.

Your EOFY donation can help us call time on this harm. #NRL #AllianceEOFY

With support from The Ross Trust, The Alliance’s Voices for Gambling Reform program is turning lived experience into powerful advocacy. Voices coordinator Maddy Thorpe said, “we have been able to support each person’s gradual progression, whether that be in providing feedback for submissions to government at all levels, or public advocacy… Our Voices have secured meetings with the Prime Minister's Office, been interviewed on prominent podcasts, and received extensive media coverage including ABC Radio National, The Project, and The Guardian.”

Advocate Mark Kempster has gone from struggling with gambling harm—losing over $100,000 through 10 different sports gambling apps—to testifying before Parliament and speaking out in the media. His transformation highlights the urgent need for reform.

Despite offering a gambling “opt-out” toggle, the AFL continues to expose users to Sportsbet ads—prompting criticism that the feature is “tokenistic.” Researcher Dr Charles Livingstone slammed the toggle as “hard to find” and ineffective, while Adam Keily stated: “It’s completely disingenuous from the AFL to say that they're going to hide gambling ads from kids and vulnerable people, and then not do it.”

It’s time the AFL put people before profits—not just optics.

Australia lost $32 billion to gambling in just one year—more than the federal government spent on aged care. That’s $1500 for every adult. Yet this staggering figure was missing from the election debate. “If Labor is serious about improving economic prosperity for all Australians, reducing gambling losses has to be a part of any economic plan it puts forward.”

Research shows that gambling harm hits lower-income families hardest, especially as the cost of living surges. Alarmingly, nearly one in three children aged 12–17 is already gambling—illegally—contributing to $231 million in annual youth losses. Meanwhile, pokies outnumber ATMs, post boxes, and public toilets.

The Murphy inquiry’s call to ban gambling ads was shelved. Prime Minister Albanese promised to “do more.” It’s time he did.

Almost 1 in 3 Aussie teens aged 12–17 gambled last year, spending $231 million. Gambling now outranks soccer, cricket and basketball among young Australians.

We lost $31.5 billion to gambling in 2022–23—more than all of Las Vegas. Yet despite the harm, major parties ignore calls to ban gambling ads, as recommended by the bipartisan Murphy Review.

Why? The gambling industry has poured $80 million into political donations.

This election day, ask yourself: is your local candidate protecting our kids and supporting real gambling reform?

With the election looming, the federal government is under fire for ignoring vital gambling reform championed by the late Peta Murphy—reform backed by Australians and agreed upon across party lines.

Alliance CEO Martin Thomas condemned the inaction:
“We are incredibly disappointed, as the Murphy Report was produced by one of their own. Peta Murphy courageously campaigned even in her last days with cancer. The committee handed down its report which was unanimous across all committee members across all parties. We know from polling that 76 percent of Australians want a full gambling ad ban, so it seems inconceivable that the government not only hasn’t moved on it but hasn’t officially responded to that report.”

The Murphy Report called for a phased ad ban, tougher online gambling rules, and a national regulator. Instead, political silence reigns—while gambling lobbyists operate unchecked behind closed doors.

Murphy’s legacy demands action. Ask if your local candidate supports gambling reform this election.