By Australian Psychological Society
The Government’s proposed gambling reforms presented to parliament this week fall short of protecting young Australians from the growing harms of online betting and gambling advertising.
The APS supports the work of the Alliance for Gambling Reform and backs the full implementation of the 31 recommendations outlined in the Murphy Report.
Even though it is illegal, about 30% of young people under the age of 18 gamble in any given year, with 1.5% having a gambling problem and another 2.2% being at risk. With sports betting and gambling advertising increasingly targeting children and young people through social media, gaming platforms and sports broadcasts, stronger action is urgently needed.
The current reforms do not go far enough to reduce gambling harm or shield the next generation from aggressive industry tactics.
Gambling can affect almost every aspect of a person’s life, with approximately 15% of people who gamble experiencing at least one gambling related harm.
We support calls for a comprehensive ban on gambling advertising, stronger protections against inducements, and the establishment of a national regulator focused on reducing harm.