Reign in the online betting beast to give next generation a fighting chance
With the proliferation and relentlessness of online gambling ads already fuelling an epidemic of inter-generational gambling harm, Wesley Mission is calling on the federal government to enact key recommendations of the report of the parliamentary inquiry into online gambling harm.
Wesley Mission CEO, Stu Cameron applauds the Report’s recommendation for a ban of online gaming ads in Australia over the next three years, saying reform cannot come soon enough.
“The Prime Minister described the number of gambling ads as ‘annoying’. In reality, they are devastating in their impact. Our gambling and financial counsellors see the carnage caused by gambling harm first hand. They tell us that the proliferation of ads makes it near impossible for people experiencing gambling harm to get a reprieve.”
When children and teenagers are talking about the odds rather than the actual game we’ve got a big problem. Everyone sees it, and everyone knows it. It’s a huge concern being raised by regular people and families. There is a genuine fear and sense of helplessness that they cannot protect their kids from this predatory online betting beast.
Communities and families want help. They want reform. They want action. The want an ad break!”
Cameron says gambling is fast becoming Australia’s true national sport, if it isn’t already, and with that comes the public health crisis of gambling harm, which has so many downstream negative impacts.
“We pride ourselves on being a sports-loving nation, let’s ensure the next generation can continue that tradition rather than becoming a nation of wagering warriors.”
ENDS
Wesley Mission provides practical care and support for more than 130,000 people annually in NSW and across Australia, including help for people experiencing homelessness, local community action groups preventing suicide, and gambling and financial counselling among more than 120 programs. www.wesleymission.org.au
Rev Stu Cameron is available for interview.
Media contacts:
Anne Holt on 0418 628 342 or anne.holt@wesleymission.org.au