Mayo MP Rebekha Sharkie has backed up her calls for online gambling restrictions with legislation to ban gambling advertising.

The independent MP has lodged a notice of her intention to introduce a bill that would ban advertising of certain licensed interactive gambling services, including telephone and online gambling, on television, radio, in print and online.

She says Australians are sick of being blasted by gambling ads via the media and the majority want them banned.

“The 2023 Australian Institute of Family Studies report highlights concerning links between gambling advertising and increased betting. 

“Not only are Australians increasingly targeted by gambling advertising, but we now know that seeing or hearing such advertising leaves many at risk of gambling harm.”

She says recent research found that an average of 948 gambling advertisements were broadcast each day in Victoria on free-to-air television alone.

“Young people are reportedly more likely to bet on impulse or gamble more after viewing these ads. 

“Many of us can no longer enjoy sitting down with our kids to watch sport as we know we will be bombarded by antisocial ads in which gambling masquerades as mateship.

“If people wish to gamble then that is their call, but we don’t all need to be reminded 1,000 times a day. Most Australians have made it clear they want gambling advertising banned.

“It is my hope the Government, Opposition and Crossbench Members will support my Bill to ban gambling advertising.”

Ms Sharkie has set up a petition to garner public support for her legislation.

“To help get the message across please sign Petition EN4998 to Ban Gambling Advertising on TV, Radio and Online at e-petitions – Parliament of Australia (aph.gov.au) by 11.59pm on 10 May 2023. 

“I will subsequently present it to the Minister, and introduce my Bill on 22 May.”