Voices In The News

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:

Mark discusses the dark side of gambling marketing, its impact on the music industry, and the troubling lack of genuine support from politicians for communities affected by gambling harm.

His story sheds light on the real consequences Australians face and why we need stronger action to protect people from gambling harm.

The Alliance continues to fight for reform and support for those affected.

Mark started betting as a teenager and spent more than a decade trapped in the cycle of chasing his losses, lying to the people he loved, and slowly losing himself, almost costing him everything.

Now six years free from gambling, Mark’s fighting for systemic change with the Alliance for Gambling Reform to help others escape harm from this insidious industry.

“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.

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

Victorian football clubs made $110.4 million from pokies in 2024/25 - while gambling harm continues to devastate lives.

Alliance CEO Tim Costello said:
"These footy clubs really have trashed their social licence... "It's complete hypocrisy, because we now know the extraordinary social damage of pokies.:

Alliance Voices Advocate Mark S added:
"I am disappointed to see that the AFL team that I support still has a connection to the pokies."

It's time for all clubs to put people before profit.

"I like to think about who she would be without the gambling, and I grieve that more so than I grieve who she is with the gambling."

Addictions and disorders don't happen in a vacuum. While one person is caught in the grip of gambling harm, loved ones are swept up in the devastation.

Edona, one of our Voices for Gambling Reform, shared her story of growing up with a mother consumed by poker machines. Left craving stability and connection, Edona lost the chance for a safe childhood and a close bond with her mum.

This is the reality for too many families.

Mark Kempster, who hasn’t gambled in five years, is urging governments to protect the community from harmful gambling ads. Despite his recovery, the constant exposure to gambling advertising still affects him.

"This is about making it safer for people to gamble and not having it thrown in people's faces who are struggling," he told ABC Hobart.

He supports the push by Tasmanian MPs Kristie Johnston and Meg Webb to ban gambling ads in state-funded venues.

Alexandra Craig is taking on her first-ever half marathon to raise funds for The Alliance – pushing through every kilometre to fight gambling harm in Australia.

"I have never run a half marathon in my life. But this December, I am taking on a half marathon for a cause far bigger than myself."

You don’t have to be a runner to take a stand. Whether it's a run, a ride, a walk or a bake sale – your effort can help power real change.

Support Alex here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/running-against-the-odds

“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.