Australian Parliamentary Inquiry Finds "Powerful Evidence" of Online Gambling Harm
Australian federal inquiry into online gambling harm has received almost 150 submissions and found evidence of harmful practices, says Labor MP Peta Murphy.
Australia's federal parliamentary inquiry into online gambling harm has received "powerful evidence" of harmful practices, according to the head of the inquiry, Labor MP Peta Murphy.
With almost 150 submissions received from organisations involved in sports betting, the inquiry is expected to inform regulatory action by the government amid concerns that the AU$50bn industry is causing undue harm.
Broadcasters, sporting codes and betting companies should expect more restrictions on gambling advertisements and promotions. However, peak bodies for free-to-air TV and radio broadcasters have argued that further regulation could lead to a reduction in free sport coverage, due to a decline in revenue from gambling contracts.
Similarly, the peak body for major sporting groups has issued a warning that funding to grassroots sport could decline. Complaints to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (Acma) almost doubled last financial year, with the regulator warning current restrictions are failing to meet community expectations.