Australians Rally Against Gambling: TV Ad Ban Support Swells + AUD 210,000 Find For Betr

Australians rally for a TV ad ban on gambling, highlighting the growing concern over addiction and its destructive impact. (Image by Clker-Free-Vector-Images on Pixabay)

A recent Australian survey has unveiled a distressing trend: gambling is increasingly prevalent among residents, and support for a ban on betting advertising on television is growing. This news highlights the harrowing effects of gambling and the urgent need for action.

The Rising Tide of Gambling Addiction

The survey, involving thousands of participants, revealed the harsh reality of gambling’s grip on Australians. The consequences of this addictive behaviour are grim: broken homes, lost jobs, and mounting debt. Urgent action is needed, and one potential solution capturing public attention is banning betting advertising on TV.

The Battle Against Betting Ads

Television advertisements wield immense power in shaping public opinion and behaviour. Betting companies flood the airwaves with tempting offers and false promises of easy riches, luring people into the world of gambling. Consequently, many Australians now support a ban on such advertising to protect the vulnerable and mitigate the harm inflicted.

Other countries have taken similar action against betting advertising with success, and Australia could follow suit. Eliminating these ads from television may reduce the number of gambling addicts and lessen the devastation they cause.

Australia’s Turning Point?

The survey’s results have opened many Australians’ eyes to the insidious nature of gambling and its far-reaching effects. The growing support for a TV ad ban signifies the public’s desire for change and a brighter future for those affected by gambling addiction.

As momentum for reform builds, lawmakers and the gambling industry must heed public concerns and take decisive action. A ban on betting advertising on television could mark a crucial turning point in Australia’s fight against gambling addiction, potentially saving lives and sparing countless families from heartache and financial ruin.

More Tumoil Hits Betr – Huge AUD 210,000

Australian sports betting firm Betr has found itself on the receiving end of a 210,000 AUD fine issued by the Liquor & Gaming NSW for breaching wagering laws. Betr’s fine was a culmination of 14 offenses resulting in NSW’s biggest penalty dished out so far.

In addition, SportChamps, another wagering company, was also accused of breaching NSW gaming laws and was fined  40,000 AUD and ordered to pay 14,000 AUD in costs. SportChamps is now on the receiving end of its third such fine in just over half a decade after paying out 2,000 AUD and 2,500 AUD in 2018 and 2019 respectively – 40,000 is a big jump almost ten times those fines combined.

Jane Lin, Executive Director of Regulatory Operations & Enforcement at Liquor & Gaming NSW, stated: “Gambling operators trying to circumvent the restrictions act unlawfully and increase citizens’ susceptibility to the negative effects of gaming thus risk contributing to a rise in problem gamblers”. Sports betting firms do have some autonomy over how they can promote services legally. However, the betting firm offered 100-1 and 20-1 odds on major events, which the NSW deemed as enhanced odds. On top of this, bonus bets are also not allowed, which these odds could also be construed as a a type of bonus.

The Liquor & Gaming NSW has taken a tough stance when it comes to the framework laid out in the Betting and Racing Act 1998. Consequently, its policy is to accept no excuses for betting sites found either being careless, ignorant, or flying the rules. The organisation also continues to monitor gambling advertising proactively. The fines imposed on Betr and SportChamps should warn all operators to comply with restrictions and protect the community from gambling harm.

This is yet another fine in a long run of penalties dished out to Aussie gambling firms – on the land-based casino front there has been no shortage of news covering fines hitting Crown Resorts and The Star Entertainment Group – see our Australian Land-Based Casinos Hit Hard where between these two venues, losses of over AU$2.26 billion were incurred.