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Advocate with us

Help put an end to gambling advertisements

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Advocate with us | end gambling

Gambling advertising ban

 

In 2023 MP Peta Murphy handed the government a report called “You Win Some, You Lose More”, a unanimous set of recommendations from a cross-party parliamentary joint committee. The key is a full ban on all forms of gambling advertising and marketing, phased in over three years. This is because we know ads normalise gambling, induce people to gamble more, and mislead children.

 

The government still hasn’t made an announcement.

 

Since the report was delivered, Wesley Mission has been working with our reform friends to convince the government to implement all the recommendations.

 

It’s harder than we thought – the evidence is clear, public opinion is clear, the joint committee was clear. A total ban. Like tobacco is banned.

 

We don’t understand why the government won’t do the right thing – except maybe the gambling industry, the broadcast industry, the sports industry all want to keep their profits, and are pressuring the government.

 

Your email can counter that pressure. Use the buttons below to take action.

Contact your MP Contact the PM

Why we need a full ban on sports gambling ads now

 

Our CEO, Rev Stu Cameron was recorded in October 2023 explaining why we need a full ban on sports gambling ads.

FAQs

How does Wesley Mission set its advocacy priorities?
We surveyed our 2000+ staff across NSW on advocacy priorities. The three areas they consistently reported as impacting the lives of their clients and communities then became our advocacy priorities.
How can I get involved?

There are several ways individuals can help support our advocacy work, including:  
 

  • Telling a friend and encouraging them to support our campaigns, too. 

Alternatively, as an organisation, you can: 

How do I stay up to date on your advocacy efforts?
​​​​​Join Wesley Mission’s Advocacy Network to receive updates on the latest advocacy issues and ways to get involved. Email us at advocacy@wesleymission.org.au and we’ll add you to our mailing list.
How do you work with policymakers and other organisations to create change?
On our gambling reform advocacy:
  • We work with over 40 organisations ranging from Domestic Violence NSW to Financial Counsellors Australia (NSW) to faith groups. They see the impact of gambling harm on their clients and those in their communities.
  • Wesley Mission also regularly meets MPs, councillors, public servants, policy developers and decision makers at all levels of government.  
How do you measure the impact of your advocacy work?
On our gambling reform advocacy:
  • We have called for five legislative or regulatory reforms this term of state government. Some have already been announced, others are partially addressed, while others are under negotiation. We still have over two years before the next election to achieve success! 
  • We conduct and publish six-monthly Community Attitudes to Gambling Surveys which track changes in community sentiment around reforms.

  • Our analysis of the losses through poker machines, released quarterly by Liquor and Gaming, is a standard reference for journalists and community organisations. We monitor media uptake and audience reach, showing increased interest every quarter.

  • We regularly monitor media mentions of gambling reform, where Wesley Mission is often the only NSW based gambling reform.

Authorised by Rev Stu Cameron, Wesley Mission, 220 Pitt Street, Sydney NSW 2000.