PM 'not against' a punt as he defends gambling reforms
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese defends new gambling laws, arguing they go beyond recommendations and strike a balance between personal choice and problem gambling.Summary
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has defended new online gambling laws against criticism that they are insufficient, arguing they exceed recommendations from a 2023 report that called for a total advertising ban. The laws, introduced to parliament, limit TV gambling ads to three per hour and ban them during live sport, while prohibiting athletes and influencers from promoting gambling. Albanese told ABC Radio that the reforms address online and overseas gambling, which he argued are necessary to be effective. He stated he is not against individuals having a bet but is against problem gambling, which he noted is predominantly caused by poker machines regulated by the states. Opposition communications spokeswoman Sarah Henderson criticized the bill as "undercooked" and insufficiently strong, while Independent Senator David Pocock called the legislation a "weak" response to a Labor-chaired committee's strong recommendations. Pocock argued the laws allow too many ads for children and called for a national regulator and a ban on inducements like bonus bets.
(Source：PerthNow)