Australians Overwhelmingly Demand Ban on Gambling Advertisements
A recent survey has shown that a massive 70% of Australians desire the removal of gambling advertisements from their television screens. This perspective is far from isolated; the investigation, executed by the esteemed policy institute, The Australia Institute, polled over 1,000 individuals nationwide, encompassing a varied representation of the population. The findings were decisive, with a mere 11% advocating for the continued broadcasting of gambling promotions.
The examination delved further, categorizing the outcomes by demographic factors. It appears that endorsement for a prohibition transcends gender boundaries, with 70% of males and 72% of females supporting the ban. Age, too, does not appear to be a point of contention. Although backing was marginally reduced among those between 30-39 years old (64%), it remained at a robust 69% for both younger Australians (18-29) and those in the 40-49 age range. Notably, the senior demographics exhibited even greater support for a ban, with 69% of individuals aged 50-59 and a substantial 78% of those aged 60 and above desiring the elimination of gambling advertisements.
This matter holds particular relevance in Australia presently. As the fervor of the Australian Football League (AFL) and National Rugby League (NRL) finals captivates the country, the discourse surrounding gambling advertising invariably intensifies. The existing regulations, which govern the timing and placement of these advertisements, are facing scrutiny, with numerous voices contending that they are inadequate.
Victorian Member of Parliament, Zoe Daniel, stands as a prominent advocate for more stringent regulations. Her primary concern lies with the normalization of sports wagering and the relentless barrage of gambling advertisements during sports broadcasts, particularly during AFL and NRL matches. Daniel is taking proactive measures to tackle this issue, urging Parliament to initiate a new investigation into the promotion of sports betting.
A significant issue arises when young people casually use gambling terms like “multis,” attempt to access sports wagering platforms on their mobile devices, and even discuss placing wagers on national elections.
This alarming trend is highlighted in a recent analysis conducted by Nielsen. The study revealed that Australian gaming corporations invested almost $287.2 million AUD (equivalent to a staggering $196.9 million USD!) on marketing in 2021 alone. Furthermore, the investigation explored the pervasive nature of advertisements for tobacco products, unhealthy food, alcoholic beverages, and fossil fuels.
