Survey Finds Australians Reject Total Ban on Gambling Ads
A recent study conducted by business management consultant Freshwater Strategy has revealed that a significant majority of Australians (56%) prefer moderate regulations on online gambling advertising over a total ban (37%).
The survey's findings come amid a heated debate regarding gambling ads ban in Australia.
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:According to the survey, Australians' primary focus when it comes to online gambling advertising is to minimize the risk of exposure for two key groups: children (37%) and vulnerable Australians (26%).
The national survey was conducted online from August 30 to September 1 and gathered responses via an online panel from a representative sample of 1,550 Australian voters.
The survey's findings are consistent with a previous AFR Freshwater Poll, which found that an overwhelming majority of voters (70%) supported restricting the frequency and scheduling of gambling advertisements on television rather than a complete ban.
Divided Opinions over Gambling Ads Ban
The controversy surrounding gambling ads in Australia reached a fever pitch recently, with the Alliance for Gambling Reforms sending an open letter to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, calling for a comprehensive ban on gambling ads within three years.
Signed by 60 prominent Australians - including former prime ministers and sports personalities, the letter urged the government to adopt the 31 recommendations outlined in the Murphy Report. The proposed measures seek to reduce the impact of gambling advertising, especially on children, and limit enticing promotions that target susceptible individuals.
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Stakeholders on the other side of the argument, such as Responsible Wagering Australia, are also making strong cases on why a blanket ban on online gambling ads is not advisable. Instead, they want the government to focus on a balanced approach that will address public concerns without compromising harm reduction, devastating sports and media revenue, or unfairly restricting responsible gamblers.
We know that when people are given an all or nothing proposition, they will opt for a ban, but when given sensible, evidence-based alternatives, such as opt-our provisions and age-verification requirements, the majority prefer the alternatives. Banning online advertising will not stop Australian’s gambling; it will simply push Australians towards illegal offshore providers, who lure customers in with large bonuses and then don’t pay out winnings or provide their customers with any safer gambling tools.
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