On Tuesday this week we marked the 1000 days of inaction since the Peta Murphy report recommended action on online gambling advertising.
We released a media statement calling on the federal government to take immediate action and implement the recommendations from the Murphy report.
Online gambling causes immeasurable harm to Australian families and the committee led by Peta Murphy was crystal clear — partial bans do not work, and it is time to recognise that ongoing industry pressure is harming Australians.
While families struggle with cost-of-living pressures, gambling losses now amount to more than $1500 for every adult, draining budgets faster than utilities or housing.
Australians lose $31.5 billion annually to gambling — the highest per capita losses in the world. Gambling companies have been emboldened by inaction, with TabCorp ramping up inducements as they exploit the regulatory vacuum.
Peta Murphy’s report exposed how these companies use this lack of oversight to systematically target vulnerable audiences, particularly children, through sports advertising.
The AMA has championed reform since 2013, calling for an independent regulator and comprehensive advertising bans. Gambling harm causes severe mental health disorders, substance abuse, family breakdown and financial devastation.
We will continue calling on the government to act and respond to all 31 recommendations, including total advertising bans, an independent regulator, and child protection.
