Welcome to our
October
NEWSLETTER
Check out all our latest updates
10/2023
Carol Bennett
Chief Executive Officer
Message from the CEO
Gambling Harm Awareness Week in October provided a good opportunity to celebrate progress being made around the country on gambling reform, while pushing for further reform addressing the escalating national losses and other gambling harms.
And with poker machine losses at $14.5b across five states - 13.7% higher than the last full pre-covid year 2018-19, Australians are coming in first as the world biggest gambling losers by a mile. It all seems at odds with the current cost of living crisis, but in another way makes sense that when people are feeling pressure they might be seeking out a quick win or a way to escape the daily reality. Either way, as the tagline says ‘chances are you are about to lose’ and these losses translate into significant and growing harm across our communities.
This is confirmed by research from Angela Rintoul highlighting the link between suicide and gambling released last month.
Compelling new research from the Australian Institute of Family Studies Australian Gambling Research Centre National Gambling Trends Study has also confirmed that regular gamblers aged between 18 and 34 years old are at the greatest risk of gambling harm.
A new Alliance Position Paper, ‘Australian Superannuation Fund Investments in Gambling’, reveals that the ten biggest funds all hold at least one major gambling shareholding in their portfolio. This is particularly disappointing when you consider that some super funds claim that they are investing member funds ethically!
On the national front, we have seen some promised reforms legislated including a ban on credit, the new Betstop self-exclusion scheme and changes to gaming products with gambling like features. While the Alliance would like to see legislation in all these areas go further, this certainly signals a positive change.
And with technology and expansion of gambling occurring at a rapid pace, the Alliance has joined with CHOICE and over 20 other groups to underscore the critical need for comprehensive and robust privacy reforms.
There has been a flurry of policy activity across states and federally and the Alliance has been hard at work providing submissions and meeting with key politicians to ensure that reforms do achieve their objectives to reduce harm. Our leadership councils are more active than ever before in working to do this in their communities with harm prevention policies and forums being rolled out at pace. These are all good signs on the road towards an Australia free from gambling harm!
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This Gambling Harm Awareness Week we are asking supporters to help us respond to the soon to be released government response to the federal inquiry into online gambling and its impacts on those experiencing harm.
It is critical we continue to grow our campaign to ensure all 31 recommendations are implemented by the government! You can donate here: https://www.agr.org.au/donate
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Superannuation funds
investing billions in gambling stocks
Disclosure regime ‘patently inadequate’ to hold funds accountable
One major Australian industry super fund - which boasts one million members and which promotes itself as a responsible investor - holds more than $351 million in gambling-relating equities, according to new analysis by the Alliance for Gambling Reform.
You can read the Media Release here
Read our position paper
Read the breaking news article from the Sydney Morning Herald
Find out more about HESTA's investments here
Alex is a consumer, who is outraged at HESTA's investments. (Image credit to Joe Armao, The Age/ Sydney Morning Herald)
Poker machine losses surge to a staggering all-time high of $14.5 billion
Figures collated for the Alliance by the Monash University Gambling and Social Determinants Unit at the School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine show that the $14.5b in losses across five states was 13.7% higher than 2018-19, the last full financial year not to be impacted by COVID restrictions.
The states that experienced the biggest spikes in losses were South Australia (up 34.6%), Queensland (up 33.6%) and New South Wales (up 23.7%). Victoria had an increase in losses of 12%.
Find out more here.
QLD loses over $5 billion dollars to gambling.
In 2022-2023, gambling losses in Queensland were greater than $5 billion across the state, increasing by over half a billion dollars from the previous financial year!
"These are extraordinary figures at a time when we know that people are doing it tough” said Alliance CEO Carol Bennett.
The majority of these losses occurred through poker machines (63.2%), followed by the casino, lotteries, and online gambling.
You can find out more here.
Promising reform in video games with gambling features welcomed
From September 2024 video games with simulated gambling such as social casinos will be legally restricted to adults only with a classification of R18+, however video games with loot boxes will be given a minimum classification of M15+. The Alliance believes while this is a good step, games with loot boxes should be given an R18+ rating due to the harmful impact they are having on young people.
Read our submission on the proposal here.
To read the Federal Government’s media release click here.
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In other research, the convergence of tech, games, social media & gambling is leading to a hidden but alarming rise in gambling harm among Aussie kids.
Dr Tahmed’s research highlights how many kids don't identify their actions as gambling, viewing it as extended gaming - a highly concerning idea.
You can find out more here.
Latest research shows devastating link between gambling harm and suicide
Warning: This article may be distressing to some readers.
New research shows alarming links between gambling and suicide. "We have always known there was a strong link between gambling and suicide," says Alliance CEO Carol Bennett.
Read our media release here.
Read the report here.
This research, and its impacts are put together here in Joseph Friedman’s article, published by The Law Society of NSW.
Over 20 advocates and researchers call for urgent privacy reform - stronger laws will protect people from data breaches and misuse
The Alliance for Gambling Reform has joined with CHOICE and over 20 other groups to underscore the critical need for comprehensive and robust privacy reforms. An open letter from the group emphasised the importance of safeguarding individuals' personal information in an increasingly digital and data-driven world.
Alliance CEO, Carol Bennett said lax privacy laws have allowed the gambling industry to commercialise people's information, especially children and those who struggle with gambling addiction.
Read full story and letter here.
Record fines for Tabcorp, plus more news from the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission
We commend the VGCCC's decision to impose a $1 million fine on Tabcorp for their non-compliance with the Commission's directions.
This demonstrates the necessity for transparency and cooperation in the gambling industry, ensuring the protection of consumers and integrity of systems.
You can find out more here.
VGCCC CEO Annette Kimmitt talked to ABC Radio’s Virginia Trioli asking why venues would bother to intervene to prevent gambling harm when it goes against their commercial interests. Listen here (Link 1)
This month, the VGCCC also charged the Tower Hotel operator for failing to have YourPlay available.
“Any venue operator that fails to provide players with the ability to set time and spend limits through the YourPlay system is in breach of a key legal obligation aimed at protecting the community from gambling harm" said VGCCC CEO Annette Kimmitt.
Ban on gambling with credit welcomed
In October, the Federal Government announced legislation that will ban the use of credit cards for most types of gambling in Australia.
We welcome this development, as it will certainly make a strong impact towards gambling harm reduction.
We are disappointed however, that the government chose to ignore a plea to exempt lotteries and Keno.
Read more>>>
Gambling Harm Awareness Week 2023:
Let’s bring home gambling reforms!
On 16 October 2023, the Alliance for Gambling Reform hosted the webinar, "Let’s bring home gambling reforms”.
CEO Carol Bennett facilitated this inspirational event featuring a panel of fantastic guest speakers advocating for gambling reforms.
Thank you to:
Kate Chaney MP, Independent MP for Curtin, and member of the Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs Inquiry into Online Gambling and its Impact on Those Experiencing Harm.
Senator David Pocock, Independent Senator for ACT, known for his dedication to driving legislative change.
John, who has lived experience of gambling harm, reminding us of the real-life consequences that fuel our commitment to reform.
And of course our Chief Advocate Tim Costello, a leading voice in the fight against gambling harm.
For those who missed the discussion, catch up here.
If you wish to keep supporting our work, please keep up the pressure and help push for all recommendations from the Federal Inquiry into Online Gambling to be acted upon.
Reach out to your Federal MPs here
Policy and Submissions
The Alliance published our responses to several state and federal inquiries and consultations:
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ACT Inquiry into Gaming Machine Amendment Bill – this amendment will ensure new poker machine venues are not placed in the Molonglo Valley and other undeveloped areas of the ACT.
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The inquiry into the Interactive Gambling Amendment (Credit and other measures Bill) 2023 – a federal inquiry looking into the proposed legislation to ban credit for gambling online.
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Victoria’s proposed gambling reforms to reduce gambling related harm and money laundering.
Councils and Supporters
Councils all across Victoria joined the Alliance for Gambling Reform to recognise Gambling Harm Awareness Week from 17 October. It was so wonderful to hear from the VGCCC on their new direction, and how Councils and communities can play a part in reducing gambling harm.
Leadership Councils also joined us for a workshop on improving local government sector opportunities to work with the VGCCC.
Mornington Peninsula Shire and Frankston Council teamed up for a discussion called Talk. Share. Support. A community conversation about gambling harm. Community members came together to hear from our Chief Advocate, Tim Costello, local sporting clubs and people with lived experience of gambling and to discuss how the community can support reducing harm from gambling. Great team work councils!
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Community members came together to hear from our Chief Advocate, Rev Tim Costello, local sporting clubs and people with lived experience of gambling.
Hume City Council packed out the Hume Global Learning Centre in Craigieburn on 2 October for an unmissable symposium on gambling harm. There were Councillors and officers from numerous councils, politicians, the VGCCC, VRGF, gambling harm advocates, researchers and community stakeholders in the room as we heard perspectives from a number of expert guest speakers and listened to the stories from those with lived experience of gambling harm. Both council officers and Hume councillors should be applauded for their dedication to reducing gambling harm. Special thanks to Mayor Joseph Haweil who facilitated the event and whose dedication and passion is instrumental in keeping advocacy at the forefront of Hume Councils priorities.
Read more about the event: Hume City in gambling harm conversation ahead of major state reform - Hume City Council
It’s also fantastic to see that another Leadership Council, Hobsons Bay - have adopted a new policy to tackle gambling harm in their community. Gambling Harm Prevention Policy.
Braybrook Hotel in the City of Maribyrnong have applied to the VGCCC to extend their closing hours from 1am to 3am. Both Maribyrnong and Brimbank Councils are taking a strong stand against the application. Read more: Odds stacked against hotel | Maribyrnong & Hobsons Bay
Councils: If you’d like to share what you have been working on to prevent gambling harm in your community, please send copy to Rebecca.paterson@agr.org.au
Share your
Voice
We invite you to share your personal experiences of gambling harm in Australia. Whether you've faced this challenge yourself or witnessed the struggles of someone close to you, your story has the power to inspire change and improve awareness.
We know that all communities are impacted by gambling, but the true impact is often hidden. Real stories from real people who’ve experienced gambling harm are a powerful vehicle for influencing social change. Your lived experience offers valuable insight into the consequences of gambling for our whole community. Your story will help us to advocate for change that benefits everyone.
You can remain anonymous if you prefer. Nothing will be shared or published without your consent.
Please write your story to us via Facebook or email us at info@agr.org.au
Media Releases
14 October 2023
Lottery exemption from credit gambling ban a mistake that will cause harm
9 October 2023
Poker machine losses surge to a staggering, all-time high of $14.5billion
4 October 2023
New analysis shows superfunds investing billions in gambling stocks
30 September 2023
29 September 2023
Privacy reforms highlight need to protect children from harmful product marketing
12 September 2023
Opinion Pieces
Gender-based violence, gambling and the hypocrisy of the AFL
The Canberra Times
By Tim Costello - Chief Advocate - Alliance for Gambling Reform
10 May 2024
Amid the national spotlight that has finally shone on Australia’s domestic violence crisis, the AFL decided that in all their games last weekend they would highlight the issue with a minute’s silence before play.
While it was poignant to see young men standing in solidarity with women against violence, for the AFL itself the move was hypocritical.
The AFL reaps multiple millions of dollars from gambling sponsorship and advertising – the losses from gambling are a substantial factor fuelling domestic violence – so without greater action against gambling the league is simply ‘virtue signalling’.
Pokies venues bet on community goodwill over gambling revenue
Institute of Community Directors Australia
Carol Bennett
16 Apr 2024
Faced with inaction from government, some pokies venues are taking matters into their own hands to stem community losses from gambling, writes Alliance for Gambling Reform CEO Carol Bennett.
There is a growing backlash against gambling in Australia.
Across Australia’s eastern states, clubs and pubs are increasingly shunning poker machines.
In some cases, it’s a response to falling revenue, but mostly it is a response by clubs and pubs to the growing anger across the nation about the intolerable and devastating gambling losses we all pay a price for.
Australians lose more to gambling than any other country on a per capita basis. Our losses top a staggering $25 billion every year – and poker machines (in our pubs and clubs alone) account for more than $14 billion of these loses.
Does anyone have a chance in a race against big gambling?
The Advocate
Rev Tim Costello
21 Feb 2024
Is Australia's political system corrupt?
Can money and power buy the outcomes it wants and do our political leaders yield to their influence if it aligns with their own personal interests or the interests of their party?
In The News
First NSW cashless gaming trial results criticised as further trials continue
Drinks Trade
24 April 2024
The report into the cashless gaming trial conducted at Wests Newcastle has received criticism from various industry stakeholders after it showed the technology to have little impact on the behaviour of gamblers.
The main areas of concern have stemmed from the trial’s lack of harm-reducing features and lack of features that encourage continued participation.
“It was mostly about testing the technology and a little bit of a hint towards harm minimisation,” said Carol Bennet, CEO of the Alliance for Gambling Reform.
“I would have liked to see more on the harm minimisation front.”
This community club took extreme measures to kill off its pokies
The Age
6 April 2024
“The Hastings Club is reacting to state regulations that limit its capacity to meet increased liabilities at a time when returns from gambling are diminishing,” said the Alliance for Gambling Reform chief executive Carol Bennett.
“The government should be providing clubs every opportunity to surrender poker machine entitlements for the benefit of the community, but this is unlikely given the parlous budgetary situation in Victoria,” she said.
“A government focussed on reducing gambling harm would strive to reduce overall pokies entitlements altogether. Revenue from gambling should not be propping up the Victorian budget.”
“An Error Was Made In Round One”: Tabcorp Admits To Breaching Its Own Advertising Rules
Bandt
3 April 2024
The mistake has raised calls for gambling advertising reform with the ground-based ads engraining gambling practice within the sport itself. According to the Alliance For Gambling Reform, three in every four kids believe that gambling is a normal part of sports, and anyone 12 or younger has never watched a sporting game without bearing witness to gambling advertising of some capacity.
“I am now reluctant to allow my child to view the footy fixture online due to the ‘Bet Easy’ icon next to the game. I also feel annoyed and dismayed at the AFL that they have allowed a gambling company to infiltrate the game,” an anonymous source told the Alliance For Gambling Reform.
Pokies venues bet on community goodwill over gambling revenue
Institute of Community Directors Australia
16 April 2024
Faced with inaction from government, some pokies venues are taking matters into their own hands to stem community losses from gambling, writes Alliance for Gambling Reform CEO Carol Bennett.
There is a growing backlash against gambling in Australia.
Across Australia’s eastern states, clubs and pubs are increasingly shunning poker machines.
In some cases, it’s a response to falling revenue, but mostly it is a response by clubs and pubs to the growing anger across the nation about the intolerable and devastating gambling losses we all pay a price for.
NSW Netball Teams Back Gambling Ad Ban
B&T
5 April 2024
The mistake raised calls for gambling advertising reform with the ground-based ads engraining gambling practice within the sport itself. According to the Alliance For Gambling Reform, three in every four kids believe that gambling is a normal part of sports, and anyone 12 or younger has never watched a sporting game without bearing witness to gambling advertising of some capacity.
'Dud' policy or 'absolutely essential'? Battlelines drawn over the best ways to reduce gambling harm
Riotact
2 April 2024
Alliance for Gambling Reform CEO Carol Bennett asked why the two had to be mutually exclusive.
“Why wouldn’t we aim for both?” she asked.
ACTCOSS CEO Devin Bowles added: “Having a system that encompasses the whole jurisdiction is absolutely essential if we want to minimise gambling harms.”
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