Labor has been accused of taking a “cop-out” approach to addressing the issue of gambling advertising in Australia, with critics arguing that the party’s proposed changes do not go far enough to curb the prevalence of gambling promotions.
The criticism comes in response to Labor’s announcement of a new policy that would ban gambling advertising during live sports broadcasts before 8:30pm and prohibit betting companies from sponsoring sports teams or venues. While welcomed by some as a step in the right direction, the policy has been met with skepticism by those who believe that stronger measures are needed to combat problem gambling.
One of the most vocal critics of Labor’s gambling ad changes is Tim Costello, the chief advocate for the Alliance for Gambling Reform. Costello has accused the party of “taking the easy way out” by only targeting certain aspects of gambling advertising, rather than implementing more comprehensive regulations.
In a statement to the Sydney Morning Herald, Costello argued that Labor’s proposed changes fail to address the root cause of the problem, which he believes is the pervasiveness of gambling promotions across all forms of media. He called on the party to consider implementing a total ban on gambling advertising, similar to the restrictions in place for tobacco products.
Labor has defended its policy, with shadow minister for communications Michelle Rowland asserting that the party is committed to reducing the exposure of children to gambling advertising. Rowland stated that the proposed changes strike a balance between protecting vulnerable populations and preserving the revenue generated by the gambling industry.
The debate over gambling advertising in Australia is likely to intensify in the lead-up to the federal election, as parties vying for the votes of disillusioned voters grapple with the complex and contentious issue. With stakeholders on both sides of the debate lobbying for their preferred policy outcomes, it remains to be seen what impact Labor’s proposed changes will have on the broader conversation surrounding problem gambling in the country.