The Australian Medical Association (AMA) has voiced strong opposition to the federal government’s proposal for a partial ban on online gambling advertisements. The AMA argues that anything less than a complete ban will fail to protect Australians from the harms associated with gambling addiction. This stance comes in response to the government’s consideration of a partial ban, which the AMA believes will leave loopholes for betting companies to exploit, much like the vaping industry has done in the past.
AMA’s Call for a Comprehensive Ban
The AMA has been vocal about the need for a comprehensive ban on online gambling advertisements. According to the association, a partial ban would be insufficient in curbing the influence of gambling ads on vulnerable populations. The AMA’s President, Professor Steve Robson, emphasized that a complete ban is necessary to prevent betting companies from finding ways to circumvent the restrictions. He pointed out that Australians lose approximately $25 billion on gambling each year, the highest per capita loss in the world.
Professor Robson highlighted the link between gambling addiction and various mental health issues, substance abuse, and financial stress. He argued that the government must prioritize the well-being of its citizens over the profits of gambling companies. The AMA’s stance is supported by the findings of the ‘You win some, you lose more’ parliamentary inquiry report, which also recommended a total ban on gambling ads.
The AMA’s call for a comprehensive ban is rooted in the belief that partial measures will not be effective. The association has urged the government to implement the recommendations of the parliamentary inquiry report in full. This includes a ban on all forms of online gambling advertising, leaving no room for circumvention by betting companies.
Government’s Partial Ban Proposal
The federal government’s proposal for a partial ban on online gambling advertisements has been met with criticism from the AMA. The proposal includes caveats for various platforms and times, which the AMA believes will allow betting companies to continue targeting vulnerable individuals. Professor Robson described the proposal as extremely disappointing and inadequate in addressing the issue of gambling addiction.
The AMA has expressed concerns that the partial ban will not protect young Australians, who are particularly susceptible to the influence of gambling ads. The association pointed out that the insidious nature of these ads, especially during sporting events, links gambling to activities that should be healthy and enjoyable. The AMA believes that a comprehensive ban is the only way to ensure that vulnerable populations are not exposed to harmful gambling advertisements.
The government’s partial ban proposal has also been criticized for its potential to create loopholes. The AMA fears that betting companies will exploit these loopholes, much like the vaping industry has done in the past. The association has called on the government to take a principled approach and implement a total ban on online gambling ads, as recommended by the parliamentary inquiry report.
Impact on Public Health
The AMA has highlighted the significant public health implications of gambling addiction. The association has pointed out that gambling addiction is linked to high levels of comorbid mental health disorders, substance abuse, family breakdowns, and severe financial stress. The AMA believes that a comprehensive ban on online gambling advertisements is necessary to address these issues and protect the well-being of Australians.
Professor Robson has emphasized that the government cannot afford to place the profits of large corporations ahead of the health and safety of its citizens. He argued that the impacts of problem gambling are most pronounced in socially and economically disadvantaged communities. The AMA has called on the government to listen to the unanimous recommendations of the parliamentary inquiry report and implement a total ban on online gambling ads.
The AMA’s stance on the issue is clear: a partial ban will not be effective in protecting Australians from the harms of gambling addiction. The association has urged the government to take decisive action and implement a comprehensive ban on all forms of online gambling advertising. This, the AMA believes, is the only way to ensure that vulnerable populations are not exposed to harmful gambling ads.
