Australians hate gambling ads, so why is the government tiptoeing around a ban?

featuring Matt Grudnoff
Ethan Bullemor of the Sea Eagles looks on after a Manly loss during the NRL Round 21, Sydney Roosters v Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles at Allianz Stadium in Sydney, Saturday, July 27, 2024.
AAP Image/Mark Evans

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A tax on the digital giants could be used to support free, public-interest journalism while implementing a total ban on gambling advertising, says Matt Grudnoff.

On this episode of Dollars & Sense, Australia Institute Senior Economist Matt Grudnoff and Elinor discuss the government’s gambling reforms and new research showing that the wealth of Australia’s richest 200 people nearly tripled over the last two decades.

Each week on Dollars & Sense, we dive into the latest economic figures to explain what they can tell us about what’s happening in the economy, how it will impact you and where things are headed.

Host: Matt Grudnoff, Senior Economist, the Australia Institute and Centre for Future Work // @MattGrudnoff

Host: Elinor Johnston-Leek, Senior Content Producer, the Australia Institute // @ElinorJ_L

Show notes:

‘Give Junk Food & Gambling Ads the Punt’, The Australia Institute (2022)

‘Wealth and inequality in Australia’ by David Richardson and Frank Stilwell, The Australia Institute (2024)

Theme music: Blue Dot Sessions

In Australia, Gambling Help Online is available on 1800 858 858. The National Debt Helpline is at 1800 007 007.

We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au.

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Worth a Punt – 2% Levy on Gambling Revenue Could Replace Free-To-Air Advertising Spend

by Stephen Long and David Richardson

There is widespread public support for banning gambling advertisements on free-to-air media because of the harm caused by gambling. The main objection is that Australia’s free-to-air networks, hit by declining revenues and fragmenting audiences, can’t afford to lose the money. But there’s a simple solution. A small levy on the many billions of dollars gambling