Labor open to ‘sensible amendments’ to gambling laws after inquiry hears alcohol and cocaine offered to punters

Lead

The Albanese government is prepared to tighten rules on gambling inducements, but is less likely to budge on advertising rules, as negotiations continue on wagering legislation that so far has lacked the support needed to pass parliament. The willingness to consider changes comes after explosive parliamentary hearings last week aired allegations that wagering companies provided illegal drugs and access to sex workers to keep problem gamblers betting.

Coverage Comparison

The ABC reports that internal pressure is growing on the federal government to strengthen its gambling reforms, with more Labor MPs calling for an end to inducements used to entice people to keep wagering. The Guardian notes the government is prepared to tighten rules on inducements but is less open to tweaking proposed rules on the frequency of advertisements on TV and online.

Both outlets report that the draft legislation is friendless in its current form, with the Coalition, Greens, and crossbenchers calling for sweeping amendments. The government insists negotiations continue despite an ABC report that Labor would consider shelving the reforms rather than entertain major rewrites.

Key Claims

• Inducements and advertising: Labor's plan to combat harms from gambling includes a partial advertisement ban, which would restrict gambling ads on TV to three per hour between 6am and 8:30pm, on radio during school pick-up and drop-off, as well as ban logos on sports players' jerseys or in stadiums.
• The inquiry allegations: Explosive allegations have been made that gambling company employees offered to secure drugs and escorts for those gambling, revealed during a two-day Senate inquiry. Betting giants Sportsbet and Tabcorp say there is no evidence to substantiate these claims.
• Government stance: Communications Minister Anika Wells maintains that constructive discussions with the shadow minister and Greens on the legislation are ongoing. Government frontbencher Jenny McAllister said on Sunday that Wells was in discussion with the Coalition and had been “paying attention” to evidence from the recent parliamentary hearings. McAllister said Labor thought it had “broadly got the legislation right” but was open to “sensible amendments.”

Perspectives

• Government: The Albanese government is open to considering amendments to its legislation from the Coalition when MPs return to Canberra this week, sources say. The government was prepared to make changes around wagering inducements, but was less open to tweaking proposed rules on the frequency of advertisements on TV and online.
• Labor MPs: Several Labor MPs have publicly spoken of their desire for the laws to be tougher, including putting a stop to betting companies offering inducements that encourage Australians to gamble. Canberra MP Alicia Payne said she hopes the legislation can be strengthened, particularly with regard to inducements, and supports an “opt-in” approach to gambling ads, arguing “people should be able to choose if they want to see these ads.”
• Greens and crossbench: The Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young, a vocal proponent of stronger action, told the ABC on Sunday: “If the government’s now willing to move on some things, well, good, but the devil is going to be in the detail. Inducements, of course … should be gone.”
• Coalition: Shadow Communications Minister Sarah Henderson said the opposition would not support Labor's bill without changes, but has not disclosed its demands.
• Gambling companies: Gambling companies have opposed changes to inducements, which can include perks like bonus bets, promotional odds, rebates, or more VIP enticements like hospitality at events. Betting giants Sportsbet and Tabcorp say there is no evidence to substantiate the allegations of drugs and escorts.