"Gambling losses are a bigger drain on the household budget than power bills – yet still missing from the budget," says The Alliance CEO Martin Thomas.

New data shows Australian households spent more on gambling than on electricity, gas or housing. $31.5 billion is lost each year – $1,527 per adult – with devastating impacts on families.

https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/8925785/why-gambling-reform-isnt-in-australias-budget-plans/?cs=14246

"With such a surge of public support it is perplexing to witness the gross inaction on the major parties on gambling reform."

Three in four Australians back a total ban on gambling ads. So why aren’t our leaders acting?

Nearly two years since the Murphy Inquiry, not one of its 31 gambling reform recommendations has been implemented — despite urgent calls for change.

This week, as Victoria debates mandatory precommitment cards, federal leaders remain silent. Tim Costello, Chief Advocate for The Alliance, says: "Both Prime Minister Albanese and Peter Dutton have been captured by the gambling industry."

Communities are suffering. Families are hurting. And still, gambling profits come before people.

Australia is in the grip of a gambling epidemic, losing $31.5 billion every year—more than the Federal Government spends on aged care. These losses hit households harder than power bills and are rising faster than housing costs.

This crisis isn’t because Australians love to gamble more than anyone else—it’s because of weak regulation and a tidal wave of gambling advertising. Over one million gambling ads flood our screens each year, many reaching children. It’s outrageous and dangerous.

As we head to the polls on May 3, The Alliance is demanding that all candidates commit to the 31 recommendations of the Murphy Report, including a full ban on gambling ads and inducements.

We have a once-in-a-generation chance to make real change. Let’s make gambling harm—and its devastating cost-of-living impact—a key election issue.

Support for banning gambling advertising is widespread, according to new polling from The Australia Institute:

🎯 Three in four Australians (76%) support a total ban on gambling ads phased in over three years. This is an increase on the 72% reported in a similar poll conducted by Redbridge late in 2024.

📱 Four in five (81%) Australians support banning gambling ads on social media and online.

📺 Nearly nine in ten (87%) support banning gambling ads during prime time TV hours for family and children.

⚽ More than three quarters (79%) support banning gambling ads in sporting stadiums and on players’ uniforms.

📉 More than three quarters (78%) agree that Australian government policies should aim to reduce the amount people spend on gambling.

🧒 Four in five Australians (80%) agree that children are exposed to too many gambling ads.

Crown’s mandatory carded play is working — helping reduce gambling harm and money laundering. But reform must go further. As Tim Costello says, “It’s an absolute vote winner. Every survey shows that Victorians are sick of the damage from pokies. Victoria and Jacinta need to lead and they will win.”

It’s time for statewide mandatory pre-commitment — no more delays, no more excuses. Let’s level the playing field and protect our communities.

Victorians lost a staggering $4 billion on poker machines in 2023-24. Now, the government is set to trial mandatory precommitment cards at 40 venues—but delays are costing lives.

Tim Costello is urging Premier Jacinta Allan to act now: "Enough harm, suicides, domestic violence and damage. Our courts are clogged with crime. Stand up for Victorians, pass this cashless card" he said.

Crown Casino was forced to introduce precommitment after a royal commission exposed its failures. Data on Crown’s pokies is not available publicly, but government insiders say that punter losses at the casino have dropped as a result of the scheme. If it works there, why wait to implement it everywhere?