An alliance of leading Australians has called on the government to impose a total ban on gambling advertising in a country that has some of the highest per capita losses in the world.
Gambling losses in Australia, which has a population of just 27 million, are estimated at A$25 billion (US$16 billion) a year.
Advertisements enticing people to risk their money are widespread on television, radio and billboards.
Pokies, or slot machines, are also found in many pubs, attracting even more people to part with their money.
A letter signed by more than 60 leading Australians to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Opposition Leader said:
Gambling advertising in Australia is out of control, with one million gambling adverts airing on free-to-air television and radio in just one year.
Former Prime Minister John Howard, who was among the signatories, said:
Many Australians are concerned about the proliferation of gambling advertising on our screens and the growing losses due to gambling.
Studies cited by the government put Australian gambling losses at Aus$25 billion a year, representing a global record per capita.
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