Voices for Gambling Reform
Shared Stories
Voices In The News
Think It’s Just a Game? Your Child Might Be Gambling
ABC Radio National
7 October 2025
“I was exposed to [gambling] at quite a young age... it just did something to me when I placed that bet – it gave me what I needed.”
Alliance Voices for Gambling Reform Advocate Ed began gambling at just eight years old. What started with horse racing in his family grew into a hidden struggle that drove him to steal $1.8 million and landed him in prison. [Jump to 7:33].
Now, with betting apps always within reach, gambling is easier to hide than ever – even from parents.
“I think if someone's drunk through alcohol or someone's affected by drugs, it's... visible, whereas I could be walking down the street having lost a house on a betting app and no one would know.”
Gambling harm can be hard to spot at first, but its impact is devastating. We must expose the tactics that target kids and fight for real reform.
"Kids see more gambling ads than points scored"
ABC Hobart
6 October 2025
“Kids were seeing more gambling ads on TV and social media than they were seeing points scored in the games.”
Alliance Voices Advocate Mark Kempster is calling out the gambling industry’s relentless targeting of young Australians, especially during major sporting events.
“These companies are trying to indoctrinate young Australians into gambling – making them feel like they need to bet on all sports to enjoy it.”
This is a public health crisis – and the government is still stalling on reform.
Imagine watching the footy - whatever your code - with no gambling ads.
ABC Radio
30 September 2025
Can you even picture it? They're are all-pervasive - on jerseys, on the TV between tackles and even on the field itself. The Alliance wants 2026 to be the first year where you can watch the finals without the gambling ads. Listen in as Alliance Voices Advocate Dylan shares his lived experience, and Alliance CEO Martin Thomas discusses the changes we want to see on ABC Radio National.
📣 Let’s keep the pressure on. Add your voice to protect kids from gambling harm - sign the petition today.
TV and Radio
Help Lines
Reading personal stories of gambling harm may be difficult or distressing. There may be aspects of someone’s story that triggers parts of your own. Telling your own story or reflecting on how gambling has impacted your life or those around you is not easy.
Reach out for support if you need it.
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Gamblers Help 1800 858 858
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Beyond Blue - for anyone feeling anxious or depressed 1300 22 4636
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Lifeline 13 11 14
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Lifeline has an ‘SMS’ texting service for confidential one-to-one crisis support if that’s easier than talking. please click here.
Language Guide
This communications guide provides journalists with essential language recommendations for responsible reporting on gambling harm, addressing how industry terminology has strategically shaped public discourse away from the serious realities of gambling issues. For decades, the gambling industry has promoted terms like "responsible gambling", "gaming", and "players" that minimise harm and shift responsibility away from operators. By offering clear alternatives to industry-preferred language, this guide helps journalists report accurately on gambling issues whilst avoiding terminology that inadvertently promotes industry interests, ensuring their language choices support accurate and empathetic communication about one of Australia's most significant public health challenges.