Elmer Funke Kupper, the former head of Tabcorp, has raised concerns about the effectiveness of Australia’s current gambling ad regulations. He believes that the Albanese Government must urgently address the gaps in the system to better protect consumers, particularly the youth, from the influence of gambling advertisements.
Kupper pointed out that the current advertising rules are insufficient, with approximately 600,000 teenagers between the ages of 12 and 17 having gambled in the past year. This alarming statistic suggests that young people are being exposed to gambling activities much earlier than is appropriate, often through public ads or within family environments.
In a commentary for The Australian Financial Review, Kupper expressed his surprise at encountering several sports betting ads just minutes before a major AFL game. He had assumed that both the AFL and the government had already taken steps to mitigate this issue by banning gambling ads close to game time. This incident highlights, in his view, a significant gap in the regulatory framework, where advertising rather than gambling itself poses the risk of harm to young audiences.
Globally, many countries are moving towards implementing stricter controls on gambling advertisements, with some considering complete bans or suspending untargeted ads. While Australia does not entice players with bonuses, gambling logos and branding remain omnipresent, presenting a challenge for those advocating for tighter controls.
Current discussions within Australia are focusing on whether to end sports betting partnerships and restrict gambling advertisements during certain times. Advocates for these measures argue that young fans who love sports are being bombarded with gambling ads, normalizing the activity and potentially leading to addiction and other negative consequences.
Kupper criticized what he sees as a lack of leadership on the issue, suggesting that neither the government nor the AFL Commission should hesitate to enact broader, consumer-focused restrictions on gambling advertising. He calls for decisive action, emphasizing the need for a clear stance on protecting public health over advertising revenues.
Acknowledging the potential economic impact, Kupper noted that restricting or banning gambling ads could reduce funding for free programs, which currently rely on such advertising revenues. However, he contends that public health considerations should take precedence over financial concerns.
“The industry might argue that other types of gambling are more harmful, and they would have a point. But that’s not the issue at hand,” he said, reflecting on typical arguments against a blanket ban on gambling ads.
Kupper believes delayed action is inexcusable, asserting that restrictions on gambling ads are inevitable. The focus should be on implementing changes sooner rather than later to prevent further harm to vulnerable groups, particularly young people, he argues.
From another perspective, some industry insiders suggest that education and awareness may be more effective than outright bans. They propose that promoting responsible gambling and providing better support systems for those affected could achieve similar protective outcomes without the economic drawbacks of an ad ban.
The debate continues as stakeholders weigh the benefits of increased regulation against the potential for reduced funding and economic impacts. Nonetheless, Kupper remains steadfast in his belief that substantial changes to gambling ad regulations are crucial and inevitable, urging the government to prioritize consumer protection.
Garry Sputnim is a seasoned journalist and storyteller with over a decade of experience in the trenches of global news. With a keen eye for uncovering stories that resonate, Alex has reported from over 30 countries, bringing light to untold narratives and the human faces behind the headlines. Specializing in investigative journalism, Garry has a knack for technology and social justice issues, weaving compelling narratives that bridge tech and humanity. Outside the newsroom, Garry is an avid rock climber and podcast host, exploring stories of resilience and innovation.
