Australia Takes a Stand Against Gambling: Political Moves and Industry Influence

In Australia, the gambling industry has been officially recognized as a public health risk, with monthly losses reaching hundreds of millions and annual losses exceeding billions. Before the pandemic, Australians spent AU$5.6 billion on online gambling, a figure that surged to an alarming AU$9.6 billion in 2022, marking a 70% increase.

Post-election, Australian lawmakers are committed to implementing substantial changes to the gambling sector to safeguard consumers and curb financial losses. The state-by-state variations in regulations include New South Wales (NSW), where a ban on external gambling advertising was enforced on September 1. Liquor and Gaming NSW reported that 99% of operators complied with the new regulations, impacting pubs and clubs across the state.

A recent report from the Australian Financial Review sheds light on the significant influence of the gambling sector on political decisions through lobbying and donations. Researchers from the Grattan Institute, Kate Griffiths and Elizabeth Baldwin, emphasize the impact on political parties through lavish events, including dining, wine tasting, and donations. The duo advocates for transparency, suggesting more disclosure on lobbying activities and clearer conflict of interest rules for parliamentarians.

While lobbying itself is not illegal, the researchers argue that increased transparency and reduced industry influence, achieved by limiting advertising expenses during political elections, can mitigate the negative consequences of gambling-related harm. The House of Representatives recently passed a bill aiming to ban the use of credit cards for online gambling, responding to concerns about escalating problem gambling rates.