Leading Australians have banded together to demand that the government outlaw gambling advertisements completely in a nation that suffers some of the highest per capita losses in the world.
With only 27 million people, gambling losses in Australia are estimated to be Aus$25 billion (US$16 billion) annually.
Billboards, radio, and television are all rife with advertisements luring listeners to stake their money.
Numerous bars have also installed “pokies,” or slot machines, to entice patrons to part with their cash.
“Gambling advertising in Australia is out of control with one million gambling ads being aired on free-to-air television and radio in just one year,” said a letter signed by more than 60 prominent Australians to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the opposition leader.
Signatories to the letter released at the weekend included former political, union, sports and faith leaders.
They urged Albanese’s Labor government and the conservative opposition to agree to outlaw all gambling advertising within three years, in line with the recommendations of a 2023 report into gambling harm.
“Many Australians are alarmed about the proliferation of gambling advertising on our screens and the mounting losses through gambling,” said former prime minister John Howard, who was among the signatories.
“I believe gambling losses are responsible for enormous harm throughout the community.”
