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Latest Media
Open Letter urges Tasmanian Premier to resist opposition to pre-commitment gambling card reforms
Media Release - 13 November 2024
Chief advocate for the Alliance for Gambling Reform, Tim Costello AO, has issued an Open Letter to the Premier, Jeremy Rockliff, and all members of the State Parliament, urging them to resist the efforts of the gambling lobby to undermine the promised poker machine mandatory pre-commitment card reforms. >>> READ MORE
Nine Entertainment AGM, Nine must end its gambling ad addiction - Network’s lobbying to kill off gambling ad reform ‘shameful’
Media Release - 4 November 2024
Nine Entertainment’s board directors have been urged to end the network’s gambling addiction and the network has been condemned as ‘shameful’ for actively lobbying the Federal Government to scrap gambling reform.
The chief advocate of the Alliance for Gambling Reform, Tim Costello, on the eve of the company’s AGM this Thursday condemned Nine’s reliance on gambling advertising and compared it to tobacco advertising. >>> READ MORE
"Betting Companies Now Literally Own Our Sports" – Tim Costello
15 November 2024
Tabcorp has been fined $262,000 for illegal in-play bets on tennis, raising fresh concerns about gambling harm. Betting giants are cashing in on an online sports gambling boom that’s rapidly spreading in Australia. Alliance Chief Advocate Tim Costello warns that “Australia risks condemning another generation of children to gambling harms as companies target teens.” We must act now to protect our communities and safeguard young Australians. >>> READ MORE
Kate and the message she wants the PM to hear
14 November 2024
In September, Kate*, from Alliance Voices for Gambling Reform, spoke publicly about sports betting ruined the life of her brother, who despite registering for self-exclusion, was continually hounded and died by suicide.
Now she's seeking the ear of the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Communications Minister Michelle Rowland to ensure they hear directly from people who are affected by gambling addiction ahead of announcing sports betting reforms.>>>LISTEN HERE
Alliance in Action
ONLINE GAMBLING
Online gambling participation has increased exponentially over the past few years and the true extent of its impacts on our communities are still being understood. However, the evidence currently available shows significant gambling harm being experienced online by young people and vulnerable community groups with a massive increase in online wagering companies profits over the past few years.
Key Documents:
Articles:
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Advocates warn Northern Territory gambling reforms may leave public at risk - (Gold Cost Bulletin)
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NT gambling laws are being overhauled. Here's why reform will have national consequences (ABC News)
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A-Leagues Brandish Offshore Operator’s Logo in Overseas Broadcasts (Gambling News)
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Geelong man issues warning against online sport gambling after his addiction saw him land in jail (ABC News)
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Only one harm reduction group and 28 betting companies consulted over contentious NT gambling bill (The Guardian)
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Does anyone have a chance in a race against big gambling? (Alliance for Gambling Reform)
Media Releases:
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Alliance for Gambling Reform - 17 Apr 2024 Predatory gambling ads must be part of nation’s online safety regime
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Alliance for Gambling Reform - 20 Mar 2024 Fed Govt must strengthen limp NT online gambling laws - New NT laws fail to protect communities from rapacious foreign operators
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Alliance for Gambling Reform - 3 Mar 2024 Time to honour Peta Murphy and commit to real gambling reforms - Australian voters want end to the carnage caused by gambling that adds to cost of living pain.
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Alliance for Gambling Reform - 20 Dec 2023 Christmas a trigger for spike in gambling - Urgent plea for Prime Minister to act on gambling reforms
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Alliance for Gambling Reform - 7 Dec 2023 Alarming loopholes in gambling credit ‘ban’ - Gambling lobbyists hold sway over our politicians
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Alliance for Gambling Reform - 2 June 2023 Australia’s online gambling laws among the weakest in the world - Industry exploiting weak laws to groom children for a life of gambling
CALLING FOR AN END TO GAMBLING ADS
It's time to kick gambling ads out of sport! Sign the petition and find out more about how you can stand with us to end gambling ads here!
Sign the petition to #EndGamblingAds Here
Key Documents:
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CEO of the Alliance, Carol Bennett, joined Ian Bunston on his podcast Monday Matters. They were joined by lived experience advocates Reggie Stockwell and Ken Bone who shared their “incredible stories, and incredible contributions back to the community”. The podcast focused on strategies to tackle gambling harm, in a powerful conversation (Monday Matters)
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‘Suddenly it’s cool’: children believe use of influencers in gambling ads makes it seem fun (The Guardian)
Media Releases:
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Alliance for Gambling Reform - 4 Dec 2023 New poll: 70% of Australians want gambling ad ban - Compelling results Albanese government can’t ignore
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Alliance for Gambling Reform - 29 Sep 2023 Privacy reforms highlight need to protect children from harmful product marketing
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Alliance for Gambling Reform - 22 Aug 2023 Call to delay govt response to gambling ad ban
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Alliance for Gambling Reform - 22 May 2023 Bill to ban gambling ads on broadcasting platforms applauded - But ban must also be extended to ban social media platforms
CASINOS
The Alliance welcomed the recommendations in the independent external review of the Queensland operations of Star and Palaszczuk Government’s announcement to accept all the recommendations in principle. The Alliance also acknowledges the effort of the Queensland Government to replace terms such as ‘problem gambler’ and ‘responsible gambling’ in relevant legislation and replace it with wording to reduce stigma and shame. This is a positive, nation-leading step by the Queensland Government.
Key Documents:
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Win for Crown Resorts as its Melbourne casino keeps state licence (The Age)
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SKC ASX : Another casino operator, SkyCity, is in trouble. Nobody is talking about it (Australian Financial Review)
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The Star not ready for unsupervised casino licence, chair says (Sydney Morning Herald)
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Queensland casinos to have cash limits, new penalties in gambling reforms prompted by Star report (ABC News)
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Crown casino licence: Why company will keep operating in Melbourne (The Age)
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The Star’s cash-out machines gave customers millions. Now they’re fighting fraud charges (Sydney Morning Herald)
Media Releases:
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Alliance for Gambling Reform - 26 Mar 2024 Crown reprieve must be ‘last chance saloon’ Bolstered regulation and big fines have helped protect casino consumers and reduce gambling harm
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Alliance for Gambling Reform - 30 May 2023 $450m Crown fine would fund 10 years of gambling harm reduction - AUSTRAC action underscores need for a national gambling regulator
CASHLESS CARD
"Too important to fail." If Tasmania successfully progresses with its plans to introduce a mandatory cashless gambling card with binding and default limits , it will represent the ‘gold standard’ in reducing gambling harm and money laundering. It’s a move that is critically needed in Tasmania. We hope that no matter the outcome of the upcoming election, that this promise is not compromised. More with the Alliance's Tim Costello.
Key Documents:
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First NSW cashless gaming trial results criticised as further trials continue (Drinks Trade) - 24 Apr 2024
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Pokies venues bet on community goodwill over gambling revenue (Institute of Community Directors Australia)
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'Dud' policy or 'absolutely essential'? Battlelines drawn over the best ways to reduce gambling harm (Riotact)
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Joint Statement on Poker Machines in Tasmania (Tasmanian Times)
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Government refuses to release results of first cashless gaming trial (The Sydney Morning Herald)
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Gambling reform in Tasmania is too important not have bipartisan support (Alliance for Gambling Reform)
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Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff calls early election as pressure mounts on minority Liberal government (Sky News)
Media Releases:
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Alliance for Gambling Reform - 27 Mar 2023 - ACT carded gambling a gamechanger to cut gambling harm - Staggering $1.2b lost by Territorians over last decade
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Tasmanian Liberals - 16 Feb 2024 Liberals committed to poker machine harm reduction, with new $100,000 exclusion scheme campaign
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Alliance for Gambling Reform - 10 Nov 2023 Cashless card trial expansion to cause more delays - Gambling industry ‘in control’ of sham poker machine trial
Alliance in the News
10 Years of Fighting for Change 🎉
The Alliance
6 Jan 2025
In 2025, The Alliance marks a decade of advocacy against gambling harm. For 10 years, we've worked tirelessly to protect communities and push for reform. Join us as we reflect on our impact and continue the fight to make gambling harm a thing of the past.
Help us make the next decade even stronger. Donate today to fuel the fight for reform! 💪
New Years Resolution? To End Gambling Ads
The Alliance
31 Dec 2024
As we welcome a new year, let’s commit to protecting our communities from gambling harm. Australians lost $32 billion to gambling in 2022/23 — and families are paying the price.
It’s time for real reform: a full ban on gambling ads, stronger protections, and a safer future for all.
Join The Alliance and make 2024 the year we end gambling harm.
🎆 Take action: Donate today to support gambling reform.
Election Looming — Who Will Take Action on Gambling Reform?
The Alliance
5 Jan 2025
It’s 2025: a new year and an election is on the horizon. Will our leaders have the courage to take action on gambling reform? We need to see Peta Murphy’s inquiry recommendations fully implemented — that means banning gambling ads, banning inducements, and creating a National Regulator.
This year, let’s hold our leaders accountable. Real change is possible — if they’re brave enough to act.
💪 Join the fight for reform.
Let’s Tackle Gambling Harm Head-On
The Alliance
26 Dec 2024
Australians lose over $1,600 per person every year to gambling harm — the highest in the world.
This Boxing Day, let’s fight back. We need real reform to end the losses, protect families, and stop gambling harm for good.
Join The Alliance in delivering a knockout blow to gambling harm.
🥊 Donate today and help end gambling harm.
Here’s to a Year of Change in 2025! ✨
The Alliance
1 Jan 2025
In 2025, we want to see the government to make meaningful changes to gambling reform. We want to see Peta Murphy’s inquiry report fully implemented — all 31 recommendations. This means banning gambling ads, banning inducements, and creating a National Regulator.
With your support, we’ll keep pushing for safer communities and real change. Let’s make 2025 the year we end gambling harm!
🎄 Thank You for Standing With Us This Year! 🎄
The Alliance
25 Dec 2024
As 2024 draws to a close, we want to thank each and every one of you for your support, dedication, and passion in the fight to end gambling harm. Your commitment fuels real change and brings us closer to a safer, fairer future for all Australians.
Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful and restful Christmas. Together, we’ll continue the fight for reform in 2025!
#GamblingReform #ThankYou #MerryChristmas
October 2024
Newsletter
Ed's lowest point came when he found himself stealing from clients of the business he ran. He was sinking deeper into the cycle of gambling harm in a desperate attempt to recover lost money. This harm amounted to a total loss of nearly $1.8 million and ended in his imprisonment.
“My family found out through the media – imagine that, your own parents hearing about your arrest on the news. It was everywhere. Friends had their reputations hurt just by being associated with me. I lost nearly everyone close to me.”