Australian Communications and Media Authority slammed as “toothless tiger”

Australian gambling reformists have estimated more than 430,000 children are likely to be gambling online while lambasting the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) for its perceived lack of interaction.

The Alliance for Gambling Reform (the Alliance) has been ramping up its lobbying efforts in regard to gambling reform in recent months, with the Australian government undertaking an inquiry into online gambling and gambling-related harm.

The body, supported by Reverend Tim Costello, has now moved to warn politicians over the growing dangers of online gambling in the country.

Along with the estimated figure, Costello slammed the lack of regulation in the market, and labelled the de facto gambling regulator, the ACMA, as a “toothless tiger”.

Costello said: “The truth is, we’ve had the worst policies, the least regulation of gambling. That is why we have the greatest losses.”

Previously, the Alliance has called on the government to treat gambling-related harm via the lens of public health, as it does with tobacco and alcohol.

CEO of the Alliance, Carol Bennett, said the sector is not treated like the alcohol and tobacco industries by state and territory governments, leading to a blind spot in policy.

Bennett said: “This is an anomaly in this area, that doesn’t occur. You don’t have a response that looks at the public and its need for protection from a harmful product.

“The gambling industry makes money by making losers, that’s the reality,” she added.