Two years ago this week the Murphy report was delivered to the government, recommending the banning of gambling ads. And for two years the Albanese government has failed to act in the face of pressure from vested interests. Over those two years Australians have gambled away another $60bn.

In June 2023 Labor MP Peta Murphy said: “Australians are the biggest losers in the world when it comes to gambling. We have a culture where sport and gambling are intrinsically linked. These behaviours are causing increasingly widespread and serious harm to individuals, families and communities.”

Australians know we’re the biggest losers by a large stretch over any other nation in the world. Australians know that gambling causes mental and financial stress. Australians know that gambling losses can trigger family violence. Australians know that gambling ads are normalising gambling, for children and adults.

Australians want it to stop.

Australia Institute polling in March reconfirmed the majority view that three in four Australians support a total ban on gambling ads phased in over three years. These numbers are mirrored in surveys by the AFL Fans........

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