Parliament encouraged to do more to prevent harms caused by online gambling

AMA President Professor Steve Robson appeared before the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs this week encouraging the government to implement online gambling regulations which would limit exposure and access to online gambling platforms.

Professor Robson’s appearance follows a submission by the AMA last year to the Parliamentary Inquiry into Online Gambling and its Impacts on Those Experiencing Gambling Harm which also called for funding for research and support programs, and for doctors to be equipped to recognise and support patients who are struggling with gambling.

Appearing before the inquiry Professor Robson expressed concern at the explosion of online gambling platforms and advertising and highlighted the increasing prevalence of related harm to mental health and wellbeing.

Professor Robson encouraged the inquiry to make recommendations limiting exposure and access to online gambling, including:

• the establishment of an independent gambling regulator to provide national regulatory oversight,
• further research into online gambling prevalence, especially amongst children and young people,  
• enhanced data collection and coordination at the national level to map the prevalence of online gambling and
• prohibit sports sponsorship by the gambling industry.