Superannuation savings taken out in the government’s early release program have been frittered away by punters on gambling sites and online wagering, sparking calls to clamp down on the wagering sector during the coronavirus pandemic.

According to sources familiar with bank transaction data, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, there have been numerous instances where workers have vaporised up to $10,000 on online gambling apps after receiving a lump sum under the early access program.