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Voices for Gambling Reform

Shared Stories

John's Story

John's Story

What happens when someone takes personal responsibility, seeks help, and the systems designed to protect them fail spectacularly?

Mark's Story

Mark's Story

Mark turned his life around after prison, finding support through faith and becoming an advocate to help others avoid gambling harm.

Ed's Story

Ed's Story

After early struggles with gambling and prison, Ed rebuilt his life and now supports others through advocacy and peer groups.

Voices In The News

Australia’s Gambling Crisis: A System Built for Harm

The AddictedRecovery Show

9 January 2026

Australia has the highest gambling losses per capita in the world - and it’s not even close. In the latest AddictedRecovery episode, Mark Kempster shares how he lost over $100,000 in a decade of gambling, trapped by apps, inducements, and relentless ads. Now recovered, Mark is an advocate for The Alliance's Voices for Gambling Reform program, helping others raise their voice for change. It’s time to end the cycle of harm and hold the system accountable.

Dylan Was Gambling at School – This Is Why Reform Can’t Wait

Tripple J Hack

20 November 2025

Dylan is one of our Voices for Gambling Reform, sharing his powerful story to inspire change. Gambling cost Dylan a lot, in terms of both money and opportunities.

Now, he has quit gambling, and he's documenting the journey on TikTok and Instagram.

In this longer interview cut for the hack podcast, Dylan talks with Dave about the road that got him here.

He describes the clarifying moment when he placed his last bet, the daily battle to keep going in a world where gambling ads are everywhere, and what it's like to do it all so publicly

We must protect our kids – ban gambling ads, ban inducements, and implement the Murphy Report in full.

Follow Dylan’s journey on Instagram or TikTok at @nomorebets.au

Listen to Dylan speak up on ABC's Tripple J Hack:

Free webinar: the changing face of gambling and its impact on youth

The Kids Research Institute Australia

10 November 2025

Mark Kempster will share his lived experience at the upcoming webinar, Beating the Odds: Problem Gambling in Our Youth, hosted by The Kids Research Institute Australia.

The event explores the changing face of gambling in Australia and the steps being taken to help young people overcome gambling harm.

Attendees will gain insights from research, policy, and lived experience, and have the opportunity to join a Q&A with the panel.

Speakers include:
🎙️ MP Kate Chaney
🎙️ Dr Vincent Mancini
🎙️ Dr Krista Fisher
🎙️ Mark Kempster

📅 11 November

TV and Radio

Disney+, the home of the world’s most loved kids’ movies, has been showing gambling ads to children.

00:19

Gambling industry's dark tactics revealed.

Martin Thomas, CEO of Alliance for Gambling Reform, desc

00:33

Our summer reading guide is here! 🌞

1. Brave – A time for bravery: What happens when Australians c

00:21

Our gambling reform wishlist for 2026..

00:20

Summer of cricket - with gambling ads never far from view.

Part of the broadcast, whether you want

00:14

2025 in 43 seconds.

Thank you for standing with us this year.

After ten years of standing together

00:44

Australian cricketers represent our country - not the gambling industry.

00:12

🎄 This Christmas, let’s protect what truly matters 🎄

01:19

Joining Voices

A key part of the Alliance's work is how we work with people who have experienced gambling harm, known as the Voices for Gambling Reform.

Their experiences and stories are central to everything we do and have played a pivotal role in many key legislative changes. Over the past year, our Voices have campaigned for gambling reform by sharing their stories in the media, speaking to federal and state politicians, as well as providing evidence at government inquiries and hearings.

We deeply respect the privacy of everyone who joins our Voices program. We understand that sharing personal experiences with gambling harm requires courage, and we're committed to ensuring your comfort and safety throughout the process. You have complete control over how your story is shared, including the option to use a pseudonym if you prefer to protect your identity while still making your voice heard.

Are you interested in joining the Voices program? Fill out the form and one of our team members will get back to you.

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.

Gamblers Help 1800 858 858
Gambling Help Online
12 Step, Gamblers Anonymous
Beyond Blue - for anyone feeling anxious or depressed 1300 22 4636
Help in other languages
Lifeline 13 11 14
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.

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