Gambling lobby’s access to Australian MPs sparks controversy

Crossbench MPs and transparency advocates have criticised Responsible Wagering Australia’s sponsorship of a parliamentary sports club.

Australia.- Responsible Wagering Australia (RWA), a body representing major bookmakers, is under fire for its corporate sponsorship of the Australian Parliament Sports Club. There are claims that RWA misused a suicide prevention event to boost its image.

The sports club, chaired by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, hosts informal social and sporting events attended by over 200 parliamentarians and staff. Corporate membership, starting at AU$2,500 (US$1,660), grants sponsors access to the gatherings. Alongside RWA, members include Ampol, Lion and Diageo. Critics argue that this allows industries to build relationship with MPs, crossing the line between socialising and lobbying.

Independent MP Kate Chaney, who previously called for a ban on gambling ads, condemned RWA’s involvement, saying it normalises gambling’s role in politics and sport. “The prime minister must remove RWA’s corporate membership,” Chaney said.

Senator David Pocock mentioned a now-deleted LinkedIn post that linked RWA to a suicide prevention charity, Running for Resilience, during a club-hosted event.

RWA’s CEO, Kai Cantwell, denied any lobbying through the club, insisting that participation is purely social. “Our regulatory work happens through formal channels, not on the sporting field,” he said. The club’s CEO, Andy Turnbull, said an “unwritten rule” prevents business discussions during events. He argued that large organisations like RWA are less likely to misuse the club’s platform.

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Crossbench MPs and transparency advocates have criticised Responsible Wagering Australia’s sponsorship of a parliamentary sports club. Australia.- Responsible Wagering Australia (RWA), a body representing major bookmakers, is under fire for…