A new survey has shown that a significant 70% of Australians desire the removal of gambling advertisements from their televisions. This substantial portion of the population feels that these commercials, frequently positioned strategically during well-liked sporting matches such as Australian Rules Football, are making gambling appear commonplace and contributing to an increase in gambling issues, particularly among youths.
The survey, carried out by the Australia Institute, polled over 1000 individuals across various age demographics and genders, and the findings were uniform – Australians are tired of the continuous onslaught of betting promotions.
This public opinion is driving an expanding movement, led by political figures like Victorian MP Zoe Daniel, to enact stricter rules on gambling advertising, especially during sporting competitions. The discussion regarding the efficacy of existing regulations and the necessity for more robust measures to safeguard susceptible audiences is gaining momentum.
Young people are using gambling slang such as ‘multis,’ attempting to download sports wagering applications, and even placing wagers on national elections. This is a serious issue we must address.”
A new study found that in 2021, the Australian gaming sector spent almost $200 million on marketing, inundating our children with their detrimental messages. This problem extends beyond gambling; the same study highlighted concerning statistics regarding the promotion of unhealthy food, alcoholic beverages, and other dangerous products. We have a responsibility to safeguard our youth from these exploitative industries.