19/09/2022

The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs last week launched an inquiry into online gambling and its impacts on people with gambling problems.

Pat Conaghan MP, Deputy Chair of the Committee, welcomed the move and encouraged members of his electorate to enter submissions to assist in the creation of future legislation to create better consumer protections.

“Problem Gambling is a scourge on our communities, ruining the lives not just of the gambler but also their families and support networks. Fair and reasonable protections must be sought to reduce the negative impact of gambling on our society.

“And it’s not just the adult population being impacted with the levels of exposure of our younger generations to gambling advertising as well as the ‘gamification’ of online content aimed at children being a serious concern.

“There are many stories from within our Mid North Coast Community that could assist with this Inquiry, and I strongly encourage these stories to be shared. They can be done confidentially as we appreciate the sensitivity and the need for privacy.”

The Committee is seeking written submissions, ideally of no more than ten pages, from individuals and organisations providing recommendations relating to any or all of the inquiry terms of reference by 11 November 2022.

The Committee will examine:

• the effectiveness of existing consumer protections aimed at reducing online problem gambling
• how to better target programs to address online problem gambling to reduce the potential exploitation of at-risk people, and protect individuals, families and communities
• the effectiveness of current counselling and support services to address online problem gambling
• the quality of and access to protective online gambling education programs
• the impact of current regulatory and licensing regimes for online gambling on the effectiveness of harm minimisation and consumer protection efforts
• the appropriateness of the definition of ‘gambling service’ in the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (Cth), and whether it should be amended to capture additional gambling-like activities such as simulated gambling in video games (e.g. ‘loot boxes’ and social casino games)
• the appropriateness of current gambling regulations in light of emerging technologies, payment options and products
• the effectiveness of protections against illegal online gambling services, including casino style gambling such as online blackjack and slot machines
• the effectiveness of current gambling advertising restrictions on limiting children’s exposure to gambling products and services (e.g. promotion of betting odds during live sport broadcasts), including consideration of the impact of advertising through social media, sponsorship or branding from online licenced gambling operators.

Further information about the inquiry, including published submissions and hearing transcripts, will be available on the inquiry webpage.