Labor open to ‘sensible amendments’ to gambling laws after inquiry hears alcohol and cocaine offered to punters
The Australian Labor government is considering amendments to proposed gambling legislation following reports of illegal inducements like drugs and sex workers. While the government is open to tightening rules on betting incentives, they remain resistant to stricter regulations on gambling advertisements.
Why it matters
This highlights the ongoing tension between public health advocacy and the powerful gambling industry in Australian politics.
Labor frontbencher Jenny McAllister says Labor has ‘broadly got the legislation right’ but is open to ‘sensible amendments’ on gambling reform. Photograph: Darren England/AAP Labor frontbencher Jenny McAllister says Labor has ‘broadly got the legislation right’ but is open to ‘sensible amendments’ on gambling reform. Photograph: Darren England/AAP Gambling Labor open to ‘sensible amendments’ to gambling laws after inquiry hears alcohol and cocaine offered to punters Sources say Albanese government willing to tighten rules on betting inducements but less likely to budge on TV and online advertisements
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Prefer the Guardian on Google The Albanese government is prepared to tighten rules on gambling inducements, but is less likely to budge on advertising rules, as negotiations continue on wagering legislation, which so far has lacked the support needed to pass parliament.
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