A study by Roy Morgan revealed that gambling on poker machines between 2am and 8am dramatically increased the risk of gambling harm. Nearly two-thirds of late-night gamblers faced severe negative consequences, and over 22% were classified as experiencing significant gambling harm.

Despite this, the NSW gambling reform panel's draft report only supported a six-hour pokies shutdown starting no later than 4am—ignoring evidence that late-night gambling primarily impacted those already vulnerable.

Research statistician Matthew Stevens stated, “It was really, really clear. The later at night people played the pokies, the more likely they were to be experiencing gambling harm.”

“But if you bring in gambling cards with set limits, it doesn’t matter when venues are open. They can be open 24 hours because once people hit that limit, they can’t gamble any more.”

Communities deserve better. We need mandatory cashless cards with set limits, , and we need more programs like Libraries After Dark, which provide free, safe, and friendly alternatives to spending the evening at the pokies.

“Every day you delay action on these regulations is another day that another young Australian, or any Australian, falls into an addiction because of what we’re subjected to at the moment in the media.” – Mark Kempster

Mark Kempster, who lost $100,000 to gambling, is fighting for change. He describes the government’s refusal to act on a proposed phased ban on gambling ads as “ridiculous” and “disappointing.”

“We can’t watch sport. We can’t enjoy sport without having gambling advertising shoved down our throats,” says Mark. He adds: “Every week, I get a different young person in Australia messaging me [about gambling harm].”

Mark urges action: “I don’t want people to go through the issues I went through.”

Ed, an advocate with The Alliance, shares how his gambling harm escalated "tenfold" after moving to Australia. Now, he’s fighting for change.

Up to 20% of suicides are linked to gambling harm, and the festive season sees a spike in risky behaviours. The late Peter Murphy’s inquiry called for a total ban on gambling ads, but despite public support, the government has delayed reforms until 2025, citing complexity and industry pressure.

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The ACT Government reaffirms its commitment to mandatory cashless gaming, rejecting calls to delay reforms after Tasmania shelved its plans for a pre-commitment card.

Tim Costello of The Alliance called Tasmania’s backtrack an "inexcusable capitulation" to the gambling lobby, highlighting Melbourne's Crown Casino as proof that cashless systems are feasible.

The ACT's progressive agenda includes cashless gaming, machine reductions, and a club sector inquiry—all vital steps to reduce gambling harm.

The government has shelved gambling reforms, ignoring overwhelming public support for action. Mark Kempster, an Alliance advocate, reflects on the harm caused: "An overwhelming majority in Australia don't want to see gambling ads on TV anymore."

Children as young as six now know the odds better than the players, while parents struggle to shield their families from the relentless advertising. "We're the first generation having to explain gambling terms like multis to primary school kids," says Kempster.

Despite an inquiry delivering clear recommendations eight months ago, vested interests continue to block reforms. It’s time to put community safety ahead of corporate profits.

The Alliance and Chief Advocate Tim Costello are spearheading a new Christmas campaign to hold the government accountable for tackling gambling ads. With Australia facing the world’s highest gambling losses per person, the harm is undeniable: families are devastated, domestic violence rates triple in homes affected by gambling, and children are exposed to relentless ads normalising gambling.

72% of Australians support a full gambling ad ban, echoing the late MP Peter Murphy’s courageous recommendations. Yet, despite bipartisan potential, PM Anthony Albanese has delayed action—leaving the issue unresolved and lives at risk.

These aren't just numbers – it's families struggling to put food on the table. Kids missing out on school activities. Bills going unpaid.

Victoria proved reform is possible. Your state's politicians have NO excuse.

Help us fight for Victorian-style reforms where you live. Every day of delay means more families torn apart by gambling harm.

👉 Make change happen in your state - donate now

The Minns government is withholding a crucial report from the Independent Panel for Gambling Reform. This report could reveal solutions to billions in criminal "dirty" cash laundered through poker machines and address $8.1 billion in player losses last year. Alliance Chief Advocate Tim Costello previously called cashless gambling reform “historic” and essential for ending gambling harm. Yet progress stalls. Why is the government keeping this report from the public?