Disclosures that federal politicians accepted hospitality from major wagering operators have reignited debate over advertising restrictions and regulatory changes in Australia’s gambling sector.
Australia.- The federal government is facing renewed scrutiny over its delayed gambling reform agenda after disclosures showed that at least six MPs from the Labor and Liberal parties accepted free tickets and hospitality from major betting companies.
According to parliamentary register of interests entries, politicians, including assistant minister Anthony Chisholm, declared receiving tickets and hospitality from Tabcorp for events such as Melbourne’s Derby Day and the Magic Millions Race Day on the Gold Coast. Meanwhile, Sportsbet provided tickets to several MPs and shadow ministers for events including the Australian Open men’s semi-final, rugby union fixtures and race meetings.
Under parliamentary rules, gifts and hospitality must be publicly declared, and more than 30 federal politicians lawfully disclosed receiving free tickets over the summer to major events such as the Ashes cricket series, the Australian Open and large concerts. Additional disclosures also show sports bodies and other organisations, including Cricket Australia and Tennis Australia, provided tickets.
The revelations come as the government continues to delay its formal response to recommendations from a parliamentary inquiry chaired by the late MP Peta Murphy that called for stronger gambling regulation and a phased ban on wagering advertising.
Independent MP Kate Chaney, who supports tighter gambling regulation, said: “Technically, no rules have been broken, and these gifts have been declared. But it stinks.” She added that voters expect reform, not “gambling companies wining and dining leaders at expensive sports events.”
Operators defended their engagement with stakeholders. A spokesperson for Sportsbet said the company occasionally hosts elected representatives at major sporting and racing events, while highlighting its tax and fee contributions to sport and racing and its support for “meaningful, measured reform,” including advertising frequency caps and bans on ads in stadiums or on playing jerseys.
Disclosures that federal politicians accepted hospitality from major wagering operators have reignited debate over advertising restrictions and regulatory changes in Australia’s gambling sector. Australia.- The federal government is facing renewed scrutiny over its delayed gambling reform agenda after disclosures showed that at least six MPs from the Labor and Liberal parties accepted free tickets and…
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