The Alliance has pulled its support for the Allan government’s cashless pokies trial, slamming it as a failure to deliver on promises to reduce gambling harm. The trial, set to launch in 43 venues, ditches mandatory loss limits—a key safeguard for people at risk.

“It is a complete waste of time to have a trial where the pre-commitment feature that could cap your losses is not mandatory,” said Chief Advocate Tim Costello. “Instead, it is opt-in – like having opt-in brakes on a car. We fear that the true motivation of this trial is to kick it into the long grass.”

For Mark Kempster, the 2020 AFL Grand Final was his turning point. “It was my rock bottom… I’d gone from a young bloke who loved sport, loved life, to someone who hated himself. And I still couldn’t stop.” He hasn’t placed a single bet since that night.

Now five years free from gambling, Mark – an Alliance Voices Advocate – dedicates his time to raising awareness and supporting others. He shares his story in schools, community events and media interviews, determined to reach young men before gambling takes hold. He also mentors dozens who have reached out after hearing his journey, offering hope and guidance through their own battles.

Alliance CEO Martin Thomas warns: “What we finding is there is a massive surge in sports betting, using your phone. All the advertising is trying to make it part of your peer group and socially acceptable. I think that’s probably driving the growth.”

Reflecting on his own experience, Mark says: “That’s how it gets you. Not all at once. Bit by bit, until you don’t even recognise yourself.”

Max, one of the Alliance’s Voices for Gambling Reform, lived through 25 painful years of gambling harm from poker machines. His story is one of devastation — but also of hope.

At his lowest, Max used pokies to escape depression: “I found life dull and boring in between gambling binges… I used the pokies to self-medicate depression.”

But recovery became possible through connection in local groups: “I laughed until I was crying. I hadn’t laughed like that since I was a teenager, 30 years before.” He credits a 12-step program and mental health support group Grow with giving him his life back. Now more than a decade free from gambling, Max is sharing his story to help others.