Advocates push for gambling reform discussion before election

Two years after the Murphy Inquiry recommended reforms for gambling, advocates are urging politicians to discuss these changes ahead of the upcoming federal election. Anna Bardsley, a 76-year-old former gambling addict, believes stronger laws could have changed her life. She struggled with her addiction for a decade and hopes that mandatory precommitment cards could help prevent others from going through the same experience. Precommitment cards require users to set a limit on their gambling losses before playing. These cards are already in use at Crown Casino, and the Victorian government aims to make them mandatory across the state. A proposed bill would trial the cards in 40 venues for three months and then apply them to all 26,000 poker machines. Additionally, it plans to reduce the maximum amount players can load onto machines from $1,000 to $100 by 2027. Tim Costello, chief advocate for the Alliance for Gambling Reform, expressed anger over the lack of progress on gambling reform at a federal level. He criticized both Prime Minister Albanese and opposition leader Peter Dutton for being influenced by the gambling industry. Nearly two years ago, the Murphy Inquiry presented its recommendations, including a ban on gambling advertising, but there has been no action. The federal coalition has criticized the Labor government for delaying these important changes. They pledge to protect families from harmful gambling ads during sports broadcasts if they come to power. Meanwhile, the Albanese government claims to take online gambling issues seriously and is reviewing the Murphy Inquiry recommendations. Bardsley and other advocates want politicians to prioritize the needs of people affected by gambling rather than the interests of the gambling industry. They believe it is time for a shift in the conversation surrounding gambling reform.