Pocock says Australia’s gambling advertisements “shameful”
Independent MP David Pocock has reiterated calls for sports betting television advertising and influence on politicians to be reined in.
Pocock’s social media post on X said it was “shameful” that Australia still had not acted on the Murphy Report, three years after it called for stronger controls on gambling advertising.
The comments follow disclosures in the federal parliamentary register of interests showing that at least six Labor and Liberal politicians accepted free tickets and hospitality from major wagering companies Tabcorp and Sportsbet in recent months. The declarations included attendance at high-profile racing and sporting events such as the Australian Open, Caulfield Guineas, and Magic Millions Race Day.
Under parliamentary rules, MPs must declare gifts and hospitality, including event tickets. The latest filings show gambling companies among a range of organisations providing summer event access to politicians, alongside sporting bodies and corporate entities.
Pocock said the revelations underscored broader concerns about the gambling industry’s visibility and influence during an ongoing national debate on wagering advertising reform.
The federal government has yet to finalise its response to the parliamentary inquiry into online gambling, chaired by the late Labor MP Peta Murphy, which recommended a phased ban on gambling advertisements.
Pressure for reform has continued from crossbench MPs and sections of the government’s own partyroom.
Our take on gambling advertisements in Australia
Undoubtedly David Pocock means well when he bangs on about gambling advertisements, but we have a feeling that this topic is well down the list of things Australians actually care about.
While X is not a realistic take of Australian society, with views tending to be rather polarised, the former Wallaby was getting very little support surrounding his latest words on gambling advertising reform.
And it must feel the same when he goes to work, with plenty of his colleagues cashing in on the freebies provided by gambling companies, while he screams about it from the rooftops.
If Pocock wants to make real change surrounding gambling, he should be pushing for reform surrounding iGaming and the illegal market that is thriving in Australia, and even helped along by draconian laws.
For instance, offshore betting operators have reported an increase in Australians wagering via their unlicensed services, with things like the ban on new account incentives and increased tax rates making local betting sites less attractive to Australian bettors.
Australian politicians should be pushing for a safe and regulated online gambling environment that encompasses all popular types of gambling, including online poker, sports betting and real money casinos.
They should not continue down the path the United Kingdom has taken and create an uncompetitive environment for their licensees.
