A new Australian survey indicates that a massive 70% of citizens desire a removal of gambling advertisements from their television screens. This overwhelming majority demonstrates Australians’ exhaustion with the relentless onslaught of betting promotions, particularly during major sporting events such as the AFL Grand Final.
The Australia Institute’s research revealed widespread backing for the prohibition across all demographics, including age and gender. Even within the younger demographic (18-29), often perceived as a prime target for gambling entities, almost 70% advocate for the elimination of these advertisements.
This movement for reform is gaining traction, spearheaded by political figures like Victorian MP Zoe Daniel. She advocates for more stringent regulations and a comprehensive examination of sports betting promotion tactics, emphasizing the concerning normalization of gambling, especially within the athletic realm. The message resonates: Australians are demanding a transformation, seeking to safeguard their sports from the insidious impact of gambling promotions.
A significant issue arises when young people casually use terms like ‘multis’ – referring to bets – attempting to access betting platforms on their mobile devices, and even wagering on the results of national elections.”
Consider this: in 2021, the Australian gambling sector spent nearly 287.2 million Australian dollars – equivalent to a staggering 196.9 million US dollars – solely on marketing. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. The situation becomes even more concerning when you realize they’re also investing heavily in advertisements promoting cigarettes, unhealthy food, alcoholic beverages, and fossil fuels. Our society is inundated with messages promoting detrimental products.
