To mark the beginning of Gambling Harm Awareness Week, the ACT Labor caucus (the Chief Minister and Labor MLAs) have signed onto Dr Marisa Paterson MLA’s Bets Off. Game On. campaign, calling for an end to gambling adverts on TV.
Last month, Dr Paterson launched a petition for the Commonwealth Government to ban gambling ads on television, in response to a Federal inquiry into online gambling and problem gambling. Online gambling, she argues, is harmful, and its advertising relentless, even reaching children.
“You can’t watch Australian sport without being inundated with gambling advertising,” Dr Paterson said.
In 2021, 148 gambling ads were broadcast on free-to-air during primetime family viewing hours of 6 to 8.30pm every weeknight.
“The unanimous support from ACT Labor is incredibly exciting,” Dr Paterson said. “This is a strong call for change to the Federal Parliament for legislative change, and really speaks to the necessity of getting gambling ads out of our sport.”
- Marisa Paterson MLA calls for TV gambling ad ban (28 September)
The campaign, launched on September 26, has gained significant support from a range of organisations including the Alliance for Gambling Reform, the Salvation Army, the Domestic Violence Crisis Centre, ACTCOSS, the Australian Federal Police Association, Anglicare, Canberra Royals Rugby, and Car Mechanical Services. Dr Paterson expects more organisations to sign up.
“All Australians should be able to live their lives free from the harm caused by gambling, yet the relentless bombardment of sports gambling advertising designed to exploit us all, and especially our children, needs to stop,” Carol Bennett, CEO of the Alliance for Gambling Reform, said. “This Gambling Harm Awareness Week, we stand with ACT Labor in the campaign for Bets off, Game On!”
The diversity of support indicates that gambling impacts all corners of the community, Dr Paterson believes. Recent polling data by the Australia Institute indicates that 71 per cent of people in Australia support banning gambling adverts on TV.
As of Monday, 670 people had signed the petition, which will close on 10 November.
There will be a day of action for the Bet’s Off. Game On. campaign at the end of Gambling Harm Awareness Week in ACT, NSW, and Victoria, on Sunday 23 October.
Members of the public can get involved by emailing [email protected] or joining in the #BetsOffGameOn hashtag on social media.
If you are concerned about your gambling or someone else’s, you can seek support via the Gambling helpline – free 24/7 chat, email and phone counselling and support services if gambling is affecting you or someone you care about. 1800 858 858 or gamblinghelponline.org.au.
For Crisis Support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, or via text on 0477 13 11 14 (available 24/7).
