Gambling ads should be banned within three years, parliamentary committee says | ABC News
Gambling ads should be banned within three years, a parliamentary committee has recommended, in a bid to address the harmful effects of gambling on individuals and communities. The recommendation comes as concern mounts over the impact of gambling advertising on vulnerable groups, with calls for stronger regulation to protect consumers.
The Joint Select Committee on Gambling Reform has urged the government to impose stricter rules on gambling advertising, including a ban on advertising during live sports broadcasts and other prime-time television slots. The committee also recommended that gambling ads be banned on social media platforms and other digital channels.
The committee’s report highlighted the potentially damaging effects of gambling advertising, particularly on young people and job gamblers. It noted that exposure to gambling ads can normalize and glamorize gambling, leading to an increase in risky behaviors and job gambling.
The report also emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to reducing the harm caused by gambling, including measures to support individuals who are struggling with gambling addiction and to address the social and economic impacts of job gambling.
The committee’s recommendations have been welcomed by anti-gambling advocates and community organizations, who have long been pushing for tougher restrictions on gambling advertising. They argue that the proliferation of gambling ads has contributed to a culture of gambling that is harmful to individuals and communities.
However, the gambling industry has expressed concerns about the potential impact of a ban on advertising, arguing that it could have negative consequences for the sector and for the broader economy. They have called for a balanced approach that takes into account the interests of both industry stakeholders and consumers.
The recommendations of the committee are likely to spark debate and controversy as the government considers its response. While the issue of gambling advertising is complex and contentious, it is clear that action is needed to address the negative impacts of gambling on individuals and communities.
Ultimately, the aim should be to strike a balance between protecting consumers from harmful advertising and ensuring that the gambling industry can operate in a responsible and sustainable manner. The committee’s recommendations provide a roadmap for achieving this balance, and it is now up to the government to consider how best to implement them in the interests of the public and the gambling industry.