Australia has long been known for its love of gambling, with pokies, casinos, and sports betting all popular activities for many Australians. However, a recent report from the Grattan Institute has called for a major overhaul of the country’s gambling laws, arguing that it’s time for Australia to put guardrails on gambling to protect vulnerable people from harm.
The report, titled “It’s Time Australia Put Guardrails on Gambling,” highlights the negative impact that gambling can have on individuals, families, and communities. According to the report, up to 500,000 Australians are at risk of developing a gambling problem, and around 200,000 are already considered problem gamblers. This can lead to financial hardship, relationship breakdowns, and even mental health issues.
One of the key recommendations in the report is to introduce a national self-exclusion register, which would allow people to ban themselves from gambling venues and websites. This has already been implemented in other countries, such as the UK, and has been shown to be an effective way of helping problem gamblers regain control of their habits.
The report also calls for a ban on gambling ads during live sports broadcasts, as well as a reduction in the maximum bet limits on poker machines. Currently, Australians lose more money per person on gambling than any other country in the world, and the Grattan Institute believes that these measures would help to curb this trend.
Dr. Danielle Wood, the CEO of the Grattan Institute, has spoken out about the need for change, stating that “Australia’s current approach to gambling is far too lax, and it’s time for the government to step in and protect vulnerable people from harm.” She also emphasized the financial cost of problem gambling, estimating that it costs the Australian economy around $6 billion per year.
The report has already received support from a number of anti-gambling campaigners and politicians, with many calling for urgent action to be taken. Senator Andrew Wilkie, who has long been a vocal critic of the gambling industry, has welcomed the report, stating that “it’s clear that the current gambling laws are failing to protect the most vulnerable in our society, and it’s time for a major overhaul.”
While it remains to be seen whether the government will take action in response to the report, there is growing pressure for change in Australia’s gambling laws. With the support of the Grattan Institute and other anti-gambling advocates, it’s possible that we could see significant reforms in the near future. Only time will tell whether Australia will finally put guardrails on gambling to protect its most vulnerable citizens.