Australian Operators Under Flak for Alleged Underhanded Lobbying

Gambling reform advocates are raising alarms, warning that wagering companies are “showering” Australian federal politicians with hospitality as the government contemplates stricter advertising regulations.  A new Alliance for Gambling Reform (AGR) report reveals that at least 19 federal MPs have accepted free tickets and hospitality from betting firms, including Tabcorp and Sportsbet, to attend various sports events.

The Industry Defended This Practice

The AGR analysis is based on disclosures by federal politicians to the Parliamentary Register of Interests. It raises concerns that the gambling industry may be secretly lobbying to thwart upcoming reforms. The federal government is considering a proposed ban on gambling advertisements, a key recommendation from a parliamentary report championed by the late Labor MP Peta Murphy.

Tim Costello, the chief advocate for the AGR, criticized the relationship between politicians and gambling companies. He argues that such gifts compromise the integrity of political decision-making and disproportionately benefit powerful interests, leaving Australian communities vulnerable to gambling harm. Costello referred to this practice as “undemocratic” and noted it could actively undermine vital reforms.

These results show how our political system can be exploited by the rich and powerful to lobby in secret against popular changes such as the proposed gambling ad ban to the determent of the Australian community.

Tim Costello

According to a recent report from The Guardian, the gambling industry defended its practices, with Responsible Wagering Australia CEO Kai Cantwell stating that the hospitality was declared as required by law and did not influence regulatory outcomes. Cantwell also highlighted that the AGR had direct access to senior government members during consultations on gambling reform, implying a degree of hypocrisy.

Lobbying Efforts Intensified During Gambling Reforms

The AGR’s analysis used a new tool called the “Influence Engine,” allowing individuals to search the federal register of interests easily. Their data revealed that disclosed gifts spiked during 2022-2023, coinciding with legislative efforts to regulate gambling. These efforts primarily targeted ruling coalition politicians like Bill Shorten and Victorian Labor senator Raff Ciccone.

Politicians may be less inclined to introduce or support stringent regulations on gambling if they have received benefits from industries such as big gambling.

Tim Costello

Among the hospitality recipients was communications minister Michelle Rowland, responsible for drafting regulations on gambling ads, who accepted tickets and hospitality from Tabcorp in 2022. This year, Rowland declared she would no longer take donations or hospitality from gambling firms. Liberal MP Zoe McKenzie disclosed she had accepted the hospitality but maintained it would not influence her policy decisions on gambling ads.

As public scrutiny intensifies, the debate over gambling’s influence on Australian politics has become increasingly charged. The federal government might be on the cusp of potentially transformative reforms, placing the relationship between politicians and the gambling industry under increased scrutiny and raising questions about transparency and accountability in policymaking.