AMA Calls for Action on Online Gambling After 1000 Days of Inaction
25 Mar 2026
Online gambling is causing serious harm to Australian families. The Murphy committee made it clear that partial bans don’t work, and ongoing industry pressure is hurting Australians.
With the rising cost of living, gambling losses now average more than $1,500 per adult, outstripping spending on utilities or housing. Australians lose $31.5 billion each year to gambling — the highest per capita losses in the world. Companies like TabCorp have taken advantage of the lack of regulation, offering inducements and targeting vulnerable groups, including children, through sports advertising.
The AMA has been advocating for reform since 2013, calling for an independent regulator and full advertising bans. Gambling-related harm contributes to mental health issues, substance abuse, family breakdown, and financial stress.
The AMA continues to push the government to implement all 31 recommendations from the Murphy report, including total advertising bans, stronger child protections, and independent oversight.
For more information, read the AMA’s submission to the Parliamentary inquiry and the inquiry report You Win Some, You Lose More.
Source: Australian Medical Association (AMA)