Even kids want gambling ads banned, so why won't the government do it?

Despite widespread public support, including from children, for a total ban on gambling advertisements, the Australian government's proposed reforms fall short of this measure. Recent polling by the Australia Institute, conducted by YouGov, revealed that 77 percent of respondents favor a complete prohibition on such ads.

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The house always wins.

Further evidence emerged from a Deakin University survey of children in New South Wales and Victoria. Young respondents expressed concern over the pervasive nature of gambling ads, particularly in sports. A 15-year-old boy noted that constant exposure could lead people to view sports figures and broadcasters as "paid off" and "too fake." A 13-year-old girl stated, "You're influencing people from a young age, like, corrupting their mind… I'm 13, I shouldn't need to be worrying about gambling."

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People are going to … think of you as paid off. They're not gonna want to watch anymore because you seem too fake.

Public health expert Professor Samantha Thomas, who led the survey of 64 children aged 12 to 17, emphasized that young people are particularly aware of the negative impacts of gambling advertising. "They understand sporting codes and the broadcasters [are] influencing the government to make decisions, which are not in the best interests of young people," she said. Professor Thomas believes the public is "fed up" with the current situation.

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You're influencing people from a young age, like, corrupting their mind … I'm 13, I shouldn't need to be worrying about gambling.

The federal government, while stating it is "proud" of its proposed changes, has faced criticism for not including a total ban. The reforms include time-of-day restrictions, limits on ad frequency, and phasing out certain sponsorships. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese highlighted the government's actions, stating, "We're taking action when it comes to problem gambling, more than any government in Australian history has." However, Professor Thomas countered that the proposed changes are "a decision in the interest of very powerful industries that are making money from a product that harms and sometimes kills people."

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Young people, in particular, are really switched on about this. They understand sporting codes and the broadcasters [are] influencing the government to make decisions, which are not in the best interests of young people.