Ed’s story is a profound reminder of the consequences of unchecked gambling and the incredible strength it takes to rebuild from the lowest points. He faced loss, isolation, and imprisonment but found hope and redemption through the support of his community and a commitment to change.

As he says, “I’ve been lucky enough to get a second chance, and I’m doing my best to make it count. If my story can help just one person avoid what I went through, then it’s worth it.”

At the Alliance for Gambling Reform, we believe in the power of shared experiences. Stories like Ed’s can inspire others and drive meaningful change. If you have a story to share, we’d love to hear from you. Your voice could help protect others and promote a healthier, safer community for everyone.

Send your story to us at info@agr.org.au, and let’s work together to make a difference.

https://www.agr.org.au/ed-sredemption-anadvocateforchange

Recent research has confirmed that reducing the number of poker machines in the ACT has not effectively reduced gambling harm. The Alliance has consistently argued that simply cutting back on machines is not a sufficient solution. The most effective approach—the "gold standard"—is implementing a mandatory cashless system with pre-commitment levels.

This approach was recommended by the NSW Crime Commission as a means to both reduce gambling harm and combat money laundering. It is also the strategy currently being adopted in Tasmania.

New FOI documents reveal a skewed gambling reform consultation, with Minister Rowland focusing on media and sports industry stakeholders while neglecting those impacted by gambling-related harm. Voices suffering from financial, legal, health, and family issues are being overlooked, as corporate interests dominate the conversation. It’s time to ask: whose voices really matter in this debate? #GamblingReform #PublicInterest #CorporateInfluence #MarinatedMinisters MWestMedia

Steve: “Do you feel like the government is now taking the views of people like yourself and your family, who've had those lived experiences of the harms of online betting in the way that Peter Murphy did, and her committee did?”

Kate*: “Unfortunately, I don't feel that way. I've been following it really closely, which is challenging because people like Anthony Albanese do have the power to make change - it's not too late for him to make the right choice.

“I'm really blown away - what would it take for someone to actually implement these changes? Peter Murphy was so brave, she lost her life, and still is not being honoured - I'm really blown away by that. I'm also blown away by the outstanding evidence that suggests a full ban is the only way ahead. And I do hear and know it's a hard problem, and I understand that the governments in a tricky position, but it's clear what the right thing is to do it. It's just a matter of bravery, really.”

Donate to help us keep up the pressure on the government.

https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/radionational-breakfast/-hounded-to-death-gambling-victim-s-family-speak-out/104359030

Ed’s story is one of innumerable challenges, personal collapse, and ultimately, redemption. Amid the public debate today about how we protect our children from gambling harm, Ed’s experience serves as a stark reminder of the dangers when kids slip through the cracks. He began gambling at just 8 years old, and by 15, he was already feeling the devastating effects. Like many others, his struggle with gambling started quietly but gradually spiralled into life-altering consequences.

Today, Ed is fully recovered - and a passionate advocate for gambling reform and support for those facing the same struggles. Through his advocacy and personal example, Ed continues to fight for better support and understanding for those affected by gambling harm, hoping that no one else will have to suffer like he did to finally seek help.

Read Ed's story!

“The AFL and the NRL are profiting at the expense of their supporters and embedding gambling advertising so deeply within the games that a whole new generation of supporters are indoctrinated in the odds just as much as the code… In last week’s lead-up to the AFL Grand Final, I met the prime minister to talk about this urgent issue. The prime minister was good enough to make the time to meet with me after suggesting, falsely, in question time that I want all gambling banned.

"He says privately, just as he does publicly, that there is still no decision on the suite of gambling reforms outlined by the late Peta Murphy in the wake of an intensive and thorough investigation into online gambling in this country. But Albanese’s government received the Murphy report more than 15 months ago…

"My fear, after meeting with the prime minister, is that Albanese is like a parochial football fan. He appears to only see what he wants to see. He only appears to believe in the evidence that he is hearing from the gambling lobby, the big sporting codes and the broadcasters…

"Albanese must do something about online gambling advertising, which does sit squarely in his own jurisdiction.”

According to the findings of a new National Poll some 85 per cent of Australians favour a full advertising ban with the vast majority (75%) strongly agreeing with the question: Do you think there should be a total ban on gambling advertising in Australia?

Tellingly 94% of people polled had seen a gambling ad in the last week.

While, 88% of people said they were very concerned (71%) or somewhat concerned (17%) about the amount of gambling advertising on our screens.

The time to act is now. The opportunity has never been greater, the blueprint for action never clearer.

Write to your MP or donate today.

Australia's BetStop wagering self-exclusion scheme, introduced by the Albanese government, faces scrutiny after reports of loopholes allowing individuals to continue betting despite registering for a lifetime ban. A shocking example is Ravi*, who lost nearly $70,000 despite being on the self-exclusion register. Ravi revealed to ABC Investigations that he could easily open new betting accounts and deposit thousands of dollars without detection.

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is now investigating some betting agencies over allegations of non-compliance.

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. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OuZuwGF_Uio

Donate today to help us #EndGamblingAds

#GamblingReform #BehindTheMaskPodcast

Yesterday, the Greens introduced their Ban Gambling Ads Bill to the Senate. The Bill will ban gambling ads on TV, radio, print, and online consistent with the multi-party parliamentary inquiry recommendations.

The Alliance for Gambling Reform, which previoulsy gathered over 35,000 signatures to #EndGamblingAds, has long called for the adoption of all 31 recommendations from the inquiry. Gambling ads exploit children and young people, normalize gambling, and contribute to harmful behaviors.

“I went to an NRL game and saw kids—teenagers—on their phones looking at betting apps. It’s become part of the culture, and that’s what scares me. I was consumed by gambling at a young age, and that was before it was anywhere near as pervasive as it is today.” – Ed, Voice for Gambling Reform Advocate

Gambling ads are everywhere, from AFL and NRL broadcasts to social media, reaching our kids at a time when they're most vulnerable. It’s crucial that we take action now to prevent future generations from falling into the same trap.

Full story: https://www.agr.org.au/ed-sredemption-anadvocateforchange

Papua New Guinea will soon have its own NRL team, a move backed by the Australian Government, but little thought has been given to how that might fuel a growing gambling problem in a poorly regulated environment.

Alliance Chief Advocate Tim Costello expressed his concerns: "It really devastates me that we're exporting to PNG, and the Pacific, our gambling addiction. What we know is in Australia, the greatest losses happen in the poorest areas. So put gambling and NRL together in PNG and the Pacific and you will get far greater poverty, far greater losses, far greater suicides, domestic violence and crime."

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-10-03/png-rugby-league-gambling-issue/104417356

This week, the Alliance stood with the Royal Children's Hospital to discuss the alarming statistics uncovered by the RCH National Child Health Poll about parents, teenagers, and gambling. More than one third of parents (39%) are concerned about their teenage children gambling, but close to half of parents (45%) have never discussed gambling with their teen.

Alliance for Gambling Reform's Voices Advocate, Cecelia Aull, shared her concerns for her children, standing alongside our chief advocate, Rev. Tim Costello.

“When it comes to children, there is no safe amount of gambling,” said Dr. Anthea Rhodes, paediatrician and Director of the RCH National Child Health Poll.

Photo Credit: The Royal Children’s Hospital/Anneliese Henjak

Hospitality offensive’ in overdrive as pollies consider gambling ad ban

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.

“These results show how our political system can be exploited by the rich and powerful to lobby in secret against popular changes such as the proposed gambling ad ban to the determent of the Australian community,” Said Chief Advocate Tim Costello

Alliance CEO Martin Thomas was recently interviewed on 3CR Radio, where he discussed the urgent need for a multipartisan approach to gambling reform.

“The latest research shows that for online gambling, about 40% of their profit comes from 20% of people. But if you think of those 20%, if they're losing far more money than they can afford, that leads to health and mental health problems.”

“We know it exacerbates domestic violence. You know, it could lead to one in five suicides, according to some research. All of this has a profound amplification across the whole community.”

“For everyone that's impacted, you can have about 30 people in the community and in their family that are impacted. So not only are we all having to see the ads, we're all bearing the cost.”

The government is currently proposing a watered-down approach to gambling ads. As Martin pointed out, "Our concern is that this industry has such a bad track record that if you leave a loophole, they'll drive a truck through it."

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/shows/towards-understanding/gambling-addiction-special-tim-costello