“What we want to do with this inquiry is really interrogate how effective the current regime is in reducing problem gambling,” Murphy said. “It’s not about banning gambling,but it’s really about reducing problem gambling and seeing if we can stop it before it starts.”
The inquiry – which may inform government policy changes – will examine the effectiveness of current online gambling regulations and advertising restrictions,including advertising on social media and through sponsorship or branding.
It will also look at whether action should be taken to curb simulated gambling in video games. Parents and experts have expressed concern about the rise of “loot boxes”,in which gamers are encouraged by games to spend real or virtual money to access troves containing rewards such as weapons.
“I’m not a gamer,but people do talk about these in-game games which either are essentially gambling or mimic gambling and how easily they are accessed,particularly by children,” said Murphy.
From 5am to 8.30pm,laws enforced by the Australian Communications and Media Authority forbid gambling advertising or promotion of odds from five minutes before the scheduled start of play until five minutes after play,including during breaks.
Outside those times,other rules apply,including a ban on representatives of gambling organisations sitting on commentary teams or appearing to broadcast from the venue. No gambling advertising or promotion of odds is allowed during play,but gambling advertising is allowed during breaks.
“You would think that you wouldn’t see any sports betting advertising watching a live broadcast,” Murphy said. “But I think most people know that you absolutely do.”