77 per cent of South Australians support ban on gambling advertising during sport

More than three quarters of South Aussies support a ban on gambling advertisements during sport, saying they “getting in the way when they’re trying to watch sport”.

The social carnage caused by gambling has led to three in four South Australians wanting a ban on gambling advertising during sport broadcasts and streams.

The Australia Institute surveyed 604 South Australians during May and found 77 per cent wanted the ban, along with fewer 64 per cent wanting an alcohol advertising ban, and 51 per cent a fossil fuel advertising ban.

SA Director at The Australia Institute, Noah Schultz-Byard, said many people had decided the advertisements were “getting in the way when they’re trying to watch sport”.

“Companies have sought to use sport to pedal dangerous and harmful products to the public for decades,’’ he said.

“Tobacco advertising was rightly outlawed in the past and now South Australians want to see the government extend that ban to other harmful industries.

“Children and families watching sport on TV or going to a local footy match shouldn’t be subjected to greenwashing and advertising for gambling and alcohol.”

Liberal and Green voters lead the charge for a gambling ban, 81 per cent in support, while 75 per cent of Labor voters agree.

Mr Schultz-Byard said the survey would add to a groundswell of opposition to gambling advertising.

“Our research shows that support for banning advertising from these harmful industries is widespread across the political spectrum and is shared by people of all ages,’’ he said.

“Liberal, Labor, Greens and independent MPs have spoken up about the harm that gambling causes, a majority of voters for each political party want to see the ads banned in sport as well.”

Sportsbet signage is seen during an AFL match between the Western Bulldogs and the Richmond Tigers. AAP Image/Julian Smith

The Federal Government launched an inquiry into gambling harm last year, and a report is expected within weeks.

In May, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton proposed a ban and independent MP Zoe Daniel has a Bill to ban gambling advertisement.

The alcohol ban is supported by 66 per cent of Labor voters, 63 per cent of Liberal voters and 67 per cent of Greens voters.

But in the polling of views on fossil fuels, Liberal Party voters are not convinced, with 44 per cent in favour and 45 per cent against.

Three in four Greens voters, 75 per cent, and a majority of Labor voters, 53 per cent, agree that fossil fuel advertising should be banned in sport.

Until now, gambling companies have only been required to adhere to broadcast hour rules and warnings which acknowledge most people lose, such as: “Chances are you’re about to lose”.

“Momentum is building towards a ban on harmful advertising in sports across Australia,” Mr Shultz-Byard said.

The only question now is when that ban will come into effect and how rigorous it will be. South Australian voters have made it clear that they want to see advertising for gambling, alcohol and fossil fuels banned from sport once and for all.”