Key facts
- Labor's online gambling reform bill is facing significant opposition.
- The Coalition, Greens, and independents are demanding tougher rules on gambling inducements and advertising.
- Allegations of gambling companies providing illegal drugs and sex workers to problem gamblers have emerged.
- The Coalition plans to seek crucial amendments to the legislation.
- A 2023 inquiry recommended prohibiting all online gambling inducements without delay.
Labor's proposed crackdown on online gambling advertising is facing significant hurdles in parliament, with the Coalition, Greens, and key independents demanding substantial amendments. The opposition has indicated it will not support the bill in its current form, citing deficiencies in addressing gambling inducements and advertising limits.
Sensational evidence presented during a two-day inquiry alleged that gambling companies provided illegal drugs and access to sex workers to problem gamblers to encourage continued betting. This has amplified calls for stricter regulations.
Shadow communications minister Sarah Henderson stated the bill "is riddled with deficiencies" and fails to adequately address "predatory inducements" that target vulnerable gamblers. She also raised concerns about the frequency of gambling ads, particularly during children's programming, and opt-out rules for streaming services.
Liberal frontbencher Simon Kennedy highlighted the impact of gambling addiction on families, echoing concerns raised by former NRL player Luke Bateman and anti-gambling campaigner Tim Costello. They alleged that VIP managers from gambling companies supplied illicit substances and sex workers to high-spending clients.
Greens communication spokeswoman Sarah Hanson-Young described the situation as a "moral question" for the Prime Minister, indicating the bill would not pass without significant changes. Opponents have referenced a June 2023 inquiry report by the late MP Peta Murphy, which recommended an immediate prohibition on all online gambling inducements and related advertising.
Some Labor MPs, including Louise Miller-Frost and Alicia Payne, have also called for the legislation to be strengthened. Independent Senator David Pocock welcomed the Coalition's stance and expressed hope for amendments that would ban inducements and implement an opt-in system for gambling advertising, aligning with recommendations from the Murphy review.