Chapter 2 shows that governments have failed to take the necessary steps to prevent gambling harm, mainly because of the political risks of taking on the industry and its allies. The gambling industry will push back on these reforms by denying the problems and stoking community fears. But this report shows that their trumped-up claims don’t withstand scrutiny. Federal and state governments should brave the vested interests and work together in the interests of all Australians to make gambling a safer, better bet. Pokies and online betting are particularly addictive and harmful, leading to serious harm for hundreds of thousands of Australians.

2.4 The risk from legal gambling is bigger than the risk from illegal gambling

This would help gamers of all ages avoid exposure to gambling if they wish, and it may be particularly helpful for parents to reduce their children’s incidental exposure to gambling. NSW stands out in having banned political donations from gambling businesses because of the potential for influence and perception of influence.167 But gambling interests in NSW still can and do donate at the federal level. Many past attempts to strengthen consumer protections for gambling have been thwarted by vested interests, so gambling reform is now considered very politically risky. Showed how effective the gambling industry is in influencing Australian politics, punching well above its weight.

Governments should also improve support services to help those suffering harm now. Gambling is big business, and the industry has repeatedly used its political power to thwart efforts to better protect the public. Gambling companies and peak bodies apply pressure to our politicians through every avenue to https://darwincocktailfestival.com/ protect their profits.

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The industry exists to financially reward the regulating bodies, the bookies, the industry stakeholders, and a small percentage of professional gamblers. The rest of us enjoy the thoughts of what might be, the social bonds, the behavioural reinforcement schedules, and the ego investment. In Australia, gambling is a socially accepted behaviour, actively encouraged through more than $287 million dollars of advertising spending per year, and a source of more than seven billion dollars of revenue per year for governments.

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• Among those who gambled, almost half (46%) were classified as being at some risk of gambling harm.
• Very sadly the only time many family members become aware about the true extent of the problem is when it is too late to be of any assistance.
• Mandatory pre-commitment with maximum loss limits would ensure gamblers no longer lose more than they can afford.
• Get access to the full suite of content and features from Australia’s leading independent thoroughbred industry publication.

Crown Melbourne fined for exclusion breach

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When we do this without causing harm to ourselves or others, we call this ‘gambling in moderation’. The history of advertising regulation suggests that Australian sport and broadcasters will adapt (see Box 8).