Labor is expected to face strong opposition from gambling giants if it agrees to demands from the Coalition and Greens for a new ban on financial inducements for betting. This is part of Senate dealmaking anticipated within days.
Despite reports on Thursday that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese might insist Labor’s bill, which aims to limit advertising for online sports betting, be passed in full or withdrawn, Communications Minister Anika Wells stated her readiness to negotiate. Wells is awaiting amendments from the Coalition, which are due to be finalised in party room meetings next week.
A two-day inquiry heard allegations from former NRL player Luke Bateman and anti-gambling campaigner Tim Costello that problem gamblers were supplied with cocaine, alcohol, and sex workers by gambling company VIP managers. Betting giants who appeared before the inquiry later denied these allegations, stating there was no evidence to support them.
Opponents of Labor’s bill have referenced a June 2023 inquiry report by the late MP Peta Murphy, which recommended prohibiting all online gambling inducements and inducement advertising without delay. Last month, Labor’s national conference also agreed to explore ways to prevent online gaming and social media platforms from offering “embedded inducements” that normalise gambling among children and young people.
Kai Cantwell, chief executive of Responsible Wagering Australia, stated that further bans on inducements are not acceptable to the gambling industry, distinguishing between inducements and “promotions.” He accused members of the Senate committee of mistakenly grouping appropriate promotions with illegal inducements.