Over 80 “rewards clubs” in Australia are operating in a regulatory grey zone - offering luxury prizes while avoiding basic gambling safeguards like age checks, limits, and self-exclusion.

Experts warn the model is causing real gambling harm, especially as people chase life-changing wins to cover debts or medical costs.

“It’s just become gambling,” said Andreas Fung.

“Users may have no transparency about net losses… and no access to self-exclusion,” warned Kei Sakata.

Stronger regulation is urgently needed to protect consumers.

When it comes to tackling harm, small changes aren’t enough. This analysis highlights a growing concern: governments risk looking weak when they delay or water down reform.

It points to gambling policy directly: “similar to Labor’s recent gambling changes: surprisingly small for something that has taken so long. Something that fails to convince voters it is really committed to fixing the problem.”

That’s the issue. Minimal action won’t reduce gambling harm or protect communities.

The Alliance is calling for meaningful reform - not half measures.

The Zak Butters tribunal has raised a question that goes way beyond one disputed sentence on a footy field. Reports that an AFL umpire has a commercial relationship with a sports betting agency raise serious questions about conflict of interest — and exactly the kind of structural issue a national regulator could address.

Mark from Voice for Gambling Reform said: "This incident in the AFL is further reason why an independent regulatory body needs to be established as soon as possible. The fact that an umpire can do outside work for a sports betting agency is at the very least a conflict of interest."

Quentin Beresford shares what drove him to write Hooked and what he uncovered along the way. Read the behind-the-scenes piece on our website:

Haydn and Matthew are on the front line in schools, delivering powerful seminars to help young people understand and prevent gambling harm.

As Health Education teachers, they’re passionate about early intervention and equipping students with practical strategies - reflected in feedback showing 80% leave feeling better prepared to protect themselves.
“This is a powerful and much needed conversation. Education like this plays a vital role in helping young people be aware of the predatory nature of gambling. I’d also like to see meaningful reform in this area to reduce the burden placed on them.” said one supporter.

By also engaging parents and sharing their knowledge, their work is building a stronger, informed community ready to push back against harm.

Book a session or find out more.

A blog from She’s On The Money highlights a confronting reality - Australians lose $31-32 billion to gambling each year, with pokies alone costing around $13 billion.

What starts as small, occasional gambling can quickly lead to financial stress and serious gambling harm. Self-exclusion is a simple, powerful tool that blocks access to gambling platforms, helping remove temptation and restore control. But we also need stronger action - a total ban on gambling ads and inducements to reduce harm at its source.

The Prime Minister has announced new gambling reforms — but what do they really mean, and are they enough?

Join the Alliance for Gambling Reform for a public webinar unpacking what’s been announced, the progress made, and the gaps that remain. Hear from Alliance CEO Martin Thomas, Chief Advocate Rev. Tim Costello, and lived‑experience speaker Mark Kempster as they explore:

- What’s been announced: the wins and the gaps
- What the reforms mean for communities
- How you can get involved and use your voice to fight for greater protections

Date: 28 April 2026
Time: 12:30pm - 1:15pm (AEST)

With the legislation still to pass Parliament, there’s a critical window to strengthen it.

“There is now a really golden opportunity to strengthen these reforms.”

Martin Thomas, CEO of the Alliance for Gambling Reform, told Rob Cameron on Sports Fix on 94.7 The Pulse Radio.

Now is the time to get it right.

This piece highlights growing frustration - especially among women - at an industry “led by men behaving badly” and a government response that falls short.

“Australian women may not easily forgive a prime minister they perceive as being on the side of an industry led by men behaving badly.”

The evidence is clear: relentless promotion, weak regulation, and rising gambling harm. Australia deserves stronger action - not excuses.

New analysis shows the government’s gambling ad restrictions will cut spending by just 0.8% - a minimal dent in a system causing widespread gambling harm. Even the government’s own report admits a stronger approach would do more.

“while a full ban was identified to have a higher net benefit, it would also impose a significant financial burden on industry which would impact Australia’s grassroots sport and media industry”

We must ask - who is being protected here?

The community deserves bold action that prioritises people over profits.