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5/2023
Carol Bennett
Chief Executive Officer
Message from the CEO
Our joint symposium Tackling Gambling Harm in Australia, co-hosted with the Public Health Association of Australia, was held on Monday 1 May in Adelaide. It was a pre-preventive health conference event and provided an excellent opportunity to partner with the health sector to bring together more than 100 people to hear from Australia’s leading experts in gambling harm. The symposium provided a focus on finding solutions to address the harm that can and does arise from gambling. The need for gambling harm to be a recognised public health issue underpinned by a national strategy and real investment in prevention, treatment, support and research was a key outcome.
Important and overdue reform including a ban on gambling advertising was given high priority by participants at the symposium. Its high on the Alliance’s list of priorities too. A huge thank you to those who are making a regular donation of $10 a month to support our End Gambling Ads Campaign! As the Alliance does not receive state or federal government funding, this support is invaluable in enabling us to do our policy and advocacy work.
Tackling gambling harm in Australia symposium Monday 1 May 2023.
Left to right: Dini Soulio, Liquor & Gambling Commissioner South Australia, Carol Bennett and Peta Murphy MP, Chair of Inquiry into online gambling and its impacts on those experiencing gambling harm.
ACT MLA Marisa Paterson MLA launched ‘Keep Molonglo Pokie-Free’' in the Canberra community on Tuesday 2 May 2023 - an Australian first! The Alliance for Gambling Reform welcomes Marisa's leadership in making our new local suburbs pokies free.
Other issues highlighted included the urgent need for the national self-exclusion scheme, Betstop! to be implemented as well as the speedy introduction of the ban on credit for online gambling. We were delighted to see Minister Rishworth’s announcement that legislation for this to occur will be introduced in the spring sitting of parliament. It’s a great step forward in gambling harm reduction.
And on the poker machine front, how ironic that the losses continue to grow in NSW even as the need for a cashless gambling card were playing out as a high priority election issue. In the last 6 months, the state saw losses of $4.2b rolling off the back of $8b in losses in 2022. And Victoria posted losses for the one month of March of more than $247 million! Where do people think this money is coming from?
Also featured in this newsletter is a short update on casino reform – and another eye watering fine of $30m for Crown…
We partnered with the peak body for the alcohol and other drug sector in a webinar attended by 200 people on the importance of implementing formal standards for AOD and gambling treatment services. What stands out is that while the AOD sector are struggling to maintain standards outlined in their national quality framework, the gambling services sector is yet to have a framework (of any kind!).
And the ACT is leading on a new proposal by MLA Marisa Paterson for a poker machine free community in a new and developing region of Canberra- Molonglo Valley. Marisa is calling on Canberrans to pledge their support for a safer community and we strongly support her!
Latest news on our work with councils and our voices also in this newsletter.
Thank you again for your support of our work and I hope you enjoy reading this edition!
Join us to end gambling harm by making a regular donation of just $10 a month to support our End Gambling Ads Campaign
Tackling Gambling Harm
in Australia symposium
Experts including EM Professor Mike Daube, Dini Soulio, Carol Bennett and Kate Seselja make recommendations in the closing session at the Tackling gambling harm in Australia symposium
On Monday 1 May, The Alliance partnered with the Public Health Association of Australia (PHAA) for the symposium “Social justice meets public health: tackling gambling harm in Australia”.
This was a pre-conference event of the PHAA Preventative Health Conference and held at the Adelaide Convention Centre as well as virtually.
Rose O'Leary, Carol Bennett from the Alliance met with Connie Bonaros MLC
The event was well-attended by Federal politicians, researchers, lived experience advocates, local government representatives, community health organisations and more which truly highlighted how much interest in the issue is growing and how it is beginning to be recognised as a crucial public health issue.
The key takeaways from the conference were:
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Lived experience needs to be front and centre when it comes to legislative changes to ensure any changes will have the greatest impact on reducing harm
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Acceptance that, like other harmful products, gambling should be properly regulated
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The need for a national health response to gambling harm (including prevention, treatment and research) crucial with a call for the Federal Government to create a unit within the Department of Health and Aged Care to address gambling harm and to establish a new, properly resourced national regulator and ombudsman
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The need for gambling industry donations and lobby interests to be curbed to protect the integrity of governments to act in the public interest
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Now is the time to implement a mandatory pre-commitment scheme for both online gambling services and poker machines with binding and practical default limits which can only be increased with proof of income.
The symposium generated significant media interest as the first national forum on gambling harm. Following the symposium, Alliance for Gambling Reform CEO Carol Bennett and Policy and Advocacy Lead Rose O’Leary met with Connie Bonaros MLC to discuss local gambling harm issues in South Australia.
See our communique here
See our media release here
Federal Government to ban online gambling with credit
The Hon Amanda Rishworth MP Minister for Social Services, Member for Kingston
The Hon Michelle Rowland MP Minister for Communications, Member for Greenway
It is most encouraging to see leadership at a Federal level regarding practical measures to reduce and prevent gambling harm including the recent announcement of a ban on credit for online gambling
Read The Hon Amanda Rishworth MP Minister for Social Services, Member for Kingston and The Hon Michelle Rowland MP Minister for Communications, Member for Greenway media release here.
The Alliance media release is here.
You can also read our policy on prohibiting the use of credit for gambling via our website
Poker Machine
Losses
The poker machine losses for New South Wales for the period of June 2022 to December 2022 were published on Anzac Day eve. Not only was this a very unfortunate time to publish such crucial data, but it was also some of the most staggering poker machine losses we have ever seen in Australia’s history.
Over $4.2 billion was lost to gambling over a six month period, which has led to over $8 billion of losses in 2022 alone. It highlights the critical need for reforms to support those at risk of, or impacted by, gambling harm. We simply cannot continue with such high losses which have continued to climb not only in NSW but the entire country both on poker machines and via online gambling.
The Alliance urges NSW supporters to get in touch with their state MP and stress the importance of gambling reforms such as cashless gambling with mandatory pre-commitment which will have a lasting and significant impact on reducing harm and therefore reducing these losses! Click here to find your local MPs details.
Last Friday the poker machine losses for Victoria were also published for March. Over $247 million was in one month alone! To read more about your local losses click here.
Keep Molonglo Pokies Free
Carol Bennett speaks at the Keep Molongo Pokie-free Launch in the ACT.
On 2 May, ACT MLA Marisa Paterson launched a proposal for a new poker machine free community in a new region being developed in Canberra- Molonglo Valley.
A campaign will run for a month asking residents to pledge their support for a poker machine free community and have conversations around what they would want from a local, pokies-free, community club!
It’s a brilliant initiative that we hope will set a precedent for developing safer communities around Australia. You can read our media release here, Marisa’s media release here.
Quality
and accreditation
in the AOD and gambling sectors
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On Wednesday 26 April, the Alliance and the Australian Alcohol and Other Drugs Council, the peak body for the alcohol and other drug (AOD) sector, co-hosted a workshop focusing on the need for Quality and Accreditation in the AOD and gambling sectors.
Around 200 people from the AOD and gambling services sectors attended the online event to hear about the importance of implementing formal standards for services. The event comes in the wake of several high-profile cases across the country where clients were harmed by under-regulated services.
Speakers at the online event included: Rebecca Lang, CEO, Queensland Network of Alcohol and Other Drug Agencies (QNADA); Jill Rundle, CEO, Western Australian Network of Alcohol and other Drug Agencies (WANADA); Rob Stirling, CEO, Network of Alcohol and other Drugs Agencies (NADA); and Carol Bennett, CEO, The Alliance.
While the AOD sector has a poorly implemented national quality framework, there is no national framework of any kind in the gambling sector.
In summary, not only do we need a national strategic approach to gambling harm treatment, but it needs to be integrated into the broader public health system, especially given the potential for comorbidities. It also should be properly evaluated, including providing a lived experience perspective on how accessible and effective the current treatment options are for different groups of gamblers, their families, workplaces and communities.
Our 3 recommendations are:
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National Strategy to reduce gambling harm including access to appropriate treatment services, ongoing regular evaluation and improvement of the services available to people seeking help for gambling issues.
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Provide all medical and health professionals (including helpline operators) with training in gambling harm reduction and an up to date set of guidelines and referral options.
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Provide those seeking help to readily access independent and quality information about gambling harm and services via a national services directory..
Read more here.
Update on casino reform
Casinos continue to be in the spotlight following the many investigations into their businesses. We are yet to know the outcome of the Adelaide SkyCity inquiry due to a coinciding inquiry by AUSTRAC needing to be finalised before the inquiry findings are published and recommendations implemented.
The Alliance continues to meet with and receive updates from the Office of the Special Manager who are overseeing Crown Melbourne. We look forward to seeing their final recommendations to the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission at the end of this year.
Crown Casino were fined $30 million last week for its illegal bank cheque processes which allowed people to bank cheques made out to themselves and not the casino. This increased risk of money laundering and extends credit to those who gamble which is illegal on land-based gambling (like poker machines) in Australia due to heighted risk of harm. The Alliance is glad to see the VGCCC take appropriate action! Read more here.
And finally, Star has been in the news recently due to a financial crisis hitting their casinos following the disciplinary action taken against them following various inquiries. You can read more here.
Councils and Supporter Organisations Update
The Victorian Local Government Association’s working group on gambling met in April and had a presentation from researchers from Curtin University and Deakin University on a Public Health Approach to Gambling. Council officers and Councillors had many questions on how this research could apply to their approach to preventing harm from gambling at a local government level.
The Alliance has been working with a number of councils who are updating their gambling harm prevention policies and some who are creating a policy for the first time. If your council is considering adopting a gambling policy this year, please get in touch with our Councils and Supporters Coordinator, Bec Paterson, as she would love to provide you with advice on current best practices for council policies.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics will release the SEIFA data from the 2021 Census at the end of April, which will give councils the opportunity to consider how the demographics of their local area have changed since 2016. The Alliance suggests it would be good for councils to compare the two data sets and understand how this could impact future applications for venues or additional machines, as well as regional caps and municipal limits set by the Minister.
Please get in touch with Bec if you'd like to discuss this further.
Voices
Update
Paul Fung, Anna Bardsley, Scott Wilson, and Kate Seselja presented on the lived experience of gambling harm at the Tackling Gambling Harm in Australia symposium.
The incredible momentum of the last month has seen new people with lived experience of gambling harm emerge to join the chorus of Voices demanding gambling reform. Every single news outlet has written and produced countless important pieces that bring along the community education around gambling harm and our voices give vital insights in those stories.
We have also engaged with members of parliament to help bring about important legislative change.
We were devastated to hear that the Federal Government has failed to deliver Betstop! – the national self-exclusion register to consumers that are profoundly unprotected from this predatory industry.
We will continue our efforts moving forward as we now have a very solid platform to maintain the focus and intensity needed to create meaningful change.
Kate Seselja, speaks at the Keep Molongo Pokie-free Launch in the ACT on 2 Tuesday 2023
Media Releases
2 May 2023
2 May
Urgent national action critical to combat gambling harm
1 May
Only total ban on gambling advertising will protect our children
28 April 2023
26 April 2023
16 April 2023
10 April 2023
5 April 2023
Opinion Pieces
Tassie on front line in fight to end pokies pain
The Mercury
Rev Tim Costello, Chief Advocate for the Alliance for Gambling Reform
7 Nov 2024
This bully industry is used to getting its own way, but someone has to stop it, writes Tim Costello.
I know something about the power and fury of the NSW pokies industry. I remember pulling out of a public debate in Sydney, when former MP Peter Garrett and I were warned by the Federal Police they could not protect us from angry pokies crowds.
The AFL and NRL are pushing aside gambling harm to profit at their fans’ expense
the Guardian
Rev Tim Costello, Chief Advocate for the Alliance for Gambling Reform
30 Sept 2024
At a time when it seems every political leader is happy to join the pile-on against our two major supermarkets, there is a stunning resistance to levelling any criticism at our two major sporting codes despite their wholehearted embrace of gambling and the damage it is causing, especially during a cost-of-living crisis.
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 The News
Pokies Don’t Belong in Surf Clubs
Gold Coast Bulletin
8 January 2025
Surf clubs are at the heart of Aussie culture—family-friendly venues offering lifesaving services and breathtaking beachfront views. Yet, these beloved spaces are tainted by the presence of pokies, which cause devastating gambling harm.
On the Gold Coast alone, 17 surf clubs host 583 pokies, collecting a staggering $46M annually. Despite claims that gambling profits support the community, reports show venues typically return just 2% of these earnings to charity. Meanwhile, taxpayers heavily subsidise these clubs, providing them with prime beachfront land.
Pokies are linked to rising family violence, relationship breakdowns, and even suicides. Research reveals gambling harm affects not just players but six others around them. Removing pokies won’t compromise lifesaving services but could restore the values these clubs stand for.
Election Looming — Who Will Take Action on Gambling Reform?
The Alliance
5 January 2025
It’s 2025: a new year and an election is on the horizon. Will our leaders have the courage to take action on gambling reform? We need to see Peta Murphy’s inquiry recommendations fully implemented — that means banning gambling ads, banning inducements, and creating a National Regulator.
This year, let’s hold our leaders accountable. Real change is possible — if they’re brave enough to act.
💪 Join the fight for reform.
New Years Resolution? To End Gambling Ads
The Alliance
31 December 2024
As we welcome a new year, let’s commit to protecting our communities from gambling harm. Australians lost $32 billion to gambling in 2022/23 — and families are paying the price.
It’s time for real reform: a full ban on gambling ads, stronger protections, and a safer future for all.
Join The Alliance and make 2024 the year we end gambling harm.
🎆 Take action: Donate today to support gambling reform.
🎄 Thank You for Standing With Us This Year! 🎄
The Alliance
25 December 2024
As 2024 draws to a close, we want to thank each and every one of you for your support, dedication, and passion in the fight to end gambling harm. Your commitment fuels real change and brings us closer to a safer, fairer future for all Australians.
Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful and restful Christmas. Together, we’ll continue the fight for reform in 2025!
#GamblingReform #ThankYou #MerryChristmas
Help us put this message in front of Tasmanian MPs every morning:
The Alliance
19 December 2024
DEAR MPs: VICTORIA PROVES IT CAN BE DONE NO MORE EXCUSES
While Victoria takes bold action on poker machine reform, Tasmania's politicians walk past community suffering every day.
Your $50 helps fund this billboard right near Parliament House - where they can't ignore it.
No more hiding. No more excuses. Victoria proved reform is possible.
👉 Put your message in front of MPs. Support the billboard today.
Gambling ad reform is taking "longer than hoped."
The Alliance
18 December 2024
Right now, the gambling industry's lobbyists are working overtime to delay reform. We can't let them win.
Every day of delay means more families affected by gambling harm. More children exposed to predatory ads. More lives impacted.
Your donation will help us:
✔️ Keep pressure on politicians to act now
✔️ Counter the gambling industry's influence
✔️ Amplify the voices of those harmed by gambling
Hidden Crisis: Women & Gambling Harm
News.com.au
16 December 2024
Gambling harm is a silent epidemic affecting Australian women. From caregivers to professionals, women are slipping through the cracks, trapped by stigma and shame. Support services remain inadequate, and the government refuses to ban harmful gambling ads. As Anna Martin, founder of The Untangle Project, says, "This is a public health crisis for Australian women, and it will persist until meaningful change becomes a primary, well-funded, and ongoing priority for our country."
Gambling and Advertising: Joined at the Hip Pocket
Sydney Morning Herald
14 December 2024
“Gambling is a problem because of advertising. To say otherwise is an insult.” – Greg Baum.
Australia’s gambling ads fuel a crisis. Despite a federal inquiry calling for a ban, the government delays reform, catering to corporate interests. Like tobacco before it, banning gambling ads will protect communities without destroying sport.
The Alliance calls for urgent action to ban these intrusive ads and shield vulnerable Australians. Join us in the fight to end gambling harm.
10 Years of Fighting for Change 🎉
The Alliance
6 January 2025
In 2025, The Alliance marks a decade of advocacy against gambling harm. For 10 years, we've worked tirelessly to protect communities and push for reform. Join us as we reflect on our impact and continue the fight to make gambling harm a thing of the past.
Help us make the next decade even stronger. Donate today to fuel the fight for reform! 💪
Here’s to a Year of Change in 2025! ✨
The Alliance
1 January 2025
In 2025, we want to see the government to make meaningful changes to gambling reform. We want to see Peta Murphy’s inquiry report fully implemented — all 31 recommendations. This means banning gambling ads, banning inducements, and creating a National Regulator.
With your support, we’ll keep pushing for safer communities and real change. Let’s make 2025 the year we end gambling harm!
Let’s Tackle Gambling Harm Head-On
The Alliance
26 December 2024
Australians lose over $1,600 per person every year to gambling harm — the highest in the world.
This Boxing Day, let’s fight back. We need real reform to end the losses, protect families, and stop gambling harm for good.
Join The Alliance in delivering a knockout blow to gambling harm.
🥊 Donate today and help end gambling harm.
Let’s Imagine a Future Free from Gambling Harm
The Alliance
24 December 2024
Tonight, children dream of joy and hope — but for too many families, gambling harm steals that joy. Australia’s gambling losses are soaring, and kids are growing up thinking it’s normal.
Help us fight for a future where families thrive, free from gambling harm. The time for reform is now.
🎄 Join The Alliance: Donate today and help create a brighter tomorrow.
A Year of Progress in Gambling Reform 💪
Reichstein Foundation
18 December 2024
A heartfelt thank you to our partner, the Reichstein Foundation, for empowering The Alliance to achieve significant strides in gambling reform this year. Your unwavering support has helped us challenge harmful systems, raise awareness, and protect our communities from gambling harm.
Together, we’re driving real change and building a fairer, healthier Australia. The fight isn’t over — let’s keep the momentum going and make 2025 even more impactful!
The Global Impact of Gambling Harm 🌍
World Health Organization
17 December 2024
Gambling harm is a growing public health crisis, hitting vulnerable people hardest: those facing poverty, discrimination, or major life challenges. As gambling markets expand, harm rises—threatening the WHO's Sustainable Development Goals on health, inequality, and justice.
Unregulated online gambling, aggressive advertising, and industry lobbying worsen the problem Population-wide measures like banning gambling ads, mandatory loss limits, and strict regulations are essential to protect communities.
Gambling Ads Reaching Kids on Snapchat? This Must Stop!
The Guardian
15 December 2024
Sportsbet's Snapchat filters are exposing children to gambling ads, despite supposed 18+ restrictions. Kids are seeing friends use filters that promote gambling accounts, turning fun into harmful exposure. It's clear: gambling ads are infiltrating young people’s lives.
A total ban on gambling ads is overdue. Our kids deserve protection from these predatory practices. Support the fight against gambling harm — donate to The Alliance today!
Australian Chinese Community Faces Gambling Harm Rates 2-8 Times Higher Than General Population
ABC Radio and SBS News
13 December 2024
Alliance Voices Advocate, Nelson knows firsthand the impact of gambling harm on the Australian Chinese community. As an affected other he watched his community struggle with it since the day he was born. Now, Nelson does art installations that express that story.
In the Australian Chinese community poker machines are known as ‘tiger machines’, Nelson explained; "The term ‘tiger machine’ came from the translation of ‘poker machine’ in English. In Chinese, the characters are tiger and machine and for me that just really struck a chord because it emphasised the predatory nature of these machines, and of gambling.”
SBS Story: https://www.sbs.com.au/language/english/en/podcast-episode/are-gambling-organisations-targeting-cald-communities/psvmjr4cb
SUPPORT
to End Gambling Ads
Can you help support the work of the Alliance for just the cost of 2 coffees a month?
Gambling is a rapidly growing public health issue in Australia, and the constant bombardment of gambling ads during live sports broadcasts, as well as on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and online gaming platforms, is a cause for concern. These ads are often targeted towards young people and are placed at times and in places where children and teenagers are most likely to see them.
A 13-year-old today doesn't know a world without gambling ads. Online gambling companies were some of the top-spending advertisers in Australia in 2021 with advertising on gambling around $281 million (AdNews, 2022)
I am inviting you to make a regular donation of $10 a month to support our End Gambling Ads Campaign.
To make your donation click on donation buttons to choose to donate through Square or Paypal, where you can securely set up a monthly donation of just $10. Of course, any amount you can contribute will help us to make a real difference.
Thank you for your continued support!
Please note that we are legally obliged to record contact details such as your address and name. We also ask for your email and phone number so we can supply you with a receipt of your donation and to thank you for your support. We will never share your information with anyone outside the Alliance unless obligated to do so under the law.
Alliance for Gambling Reform Inc is a registered public health charity, with endorsed DGR Status. All donations are tax deductible.
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