Partial ad ban a sure bet to fail, gambling helpline warns
A national gambling helpline has called for a blanket ban on gambling advertising, saying a partial ban will fail to stem the loss of $25 billion annually.
The Self Help Addiction Resource Centre (SHARC) has joined growing calls for a total ban on gambling advertising, amid reports the Government is set to legislate only a partial ban.
Victoria-based SHARC runs a national helpline and provides information and support to families and friends affected by gambling, alcohol or drug use.
SHARC’s CEO, Clare Davies, said gambling advertising was a scourge directly affecting the lives of thousands of people.
“Australians are the highest gambling nation per capita in the world, losing $25b through gambling every year, as the Government’s own research has found.*
“But the cost is more than just financial – gambling not only negatively impacts those who gamble, but also their families, friends, workplaces, communities, and other businesses.”
In fact, the ripple effects of gambling meant everyone was negatively affected in some way. “The gambling industry promises great wins – but we all lose.”
Davies said some gambling companies appearing to target children through their advertising, with endorsements by sport and media personalities, was a particular concern.
“They are always looking for new markets, new customers. And it’s working – three-quarters of kids aged eight to 16 can name one or more sports betting companies.”**
Retired businesswoman Anna Bardsley became dependent on gambling to soothe difficult emotions. It was an escape made more enticing through advertising, she said.
“I lost 10 years of my life to gambling. It calmed me down. I could feel the agitation settling.
“Looking back now, I can see the bigger picture – the connection between gambling and my mental health.”
Gambling has proven links to mental-ill health, family violence, poverty, alcohol and drug use, and homelessness.***
Research by Federation University in 2023 found 20 per cent of suicides in Australia were related to gambling.
Bardsley said she had contacted her Federal Member of Parliament to express her concern a partial gambling advertising ban was not enough and urged others to do the same.
“I’m most worried about children. If the Government chooses not to go ahead with a total ban on gambling advertising, they are ignoring the reality of the harm caused by gambling.
“They have an opportunity to not only reduce gambling harm but prevent it.
“We all have a voice – use yours to change this conversation. Enough is enough.”
References:
**Child and parent recall of gambling sponsorship in Australian sport, Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation, 2016
