Online gambling inquiry on the cards

Online betting will be placed under the microscope as a parliamentary inquiry targets its impacts on people with gambling problems.

The House of Representatives’ social policy and legal affairs committee is calling for submissions from interested parties, particularly recommendations on improving consumer protections aimed at reducing problem gambling.

It will also look at how effective advertising restrictions are at preventing children from being exposed to gambling products.

The inquiry comes as calls grow louder for something to be done about the slew of gambling advertisements shown during live sports broadcasts, often in primetime television slots.

Advertising through social media, sponsorships and branding will also be examined.

Labor MP Peta Murphy said the committee was particularly worried about the effects of the advertisements on young people.

“The inquiry will be a fresh look at online gambling and whether current laws, regulations, consumer protections and education and support programs are enough to reduce harm to gamblers,” the committee chair said.

“The committee is concerned about the increasing reach of online gambling platforms into Australians’ lives, the exposure of children and young people to gambling advertising and how this may contribute to increases in problem gambling in the future.”

Other issues to be examined include how current laws hold up in light of new technologies, payment options and betting products.

The effectiveness of counselling and the quality of online gambling education programs are included in the terms of reference.