Prominent Australians Urge Total Ban on Gambling Advertising

Australia’s 27 million people are estimated to lose $25 billion to various forms of gambling every year.

A man plays poker on his computer connected to an Internet gaming site from his home. A University of Calgary study found that online gambling is fuelling addiction rates in Canada. Karen Bleier/AFP/Getty images

The Labor government and Coalition opposition are being urged to outlaw all gambling advertising within three years, in line with the recommendations of a 2023 report into gambling harm.

The call comes in a letter sent to both party leaders by 60 prominent Australians with backgrounds in politics, unions, sports and faith as part of an ongoing campaign by the Alliance for Gambling Reform.