Survey finds seven in 10 Australians support gambling ad ban

In total, 1,003 people participated in the survey, which took place between 13-16 August 2022.

Participants were asked whether they agreed with five statements, which addressed bans on gambling advertising, tobacco advertising, junk food advertising during children’s viewing hours, alcohol advertising and advertising that promotes fossil fuels.

Breaking down response to the gambling survey by age, those over the age of 60 had the highest amount of participants that chose to “strongly agree” with a complete ban on gambling advertising, at 50% of the group.

Meanwhile, those aged between 50 and 59 were the most likely to “strongly disagree” with a ban, with 6% from the group doing so.

In addition, 2% of 40-49 year-olds and those over the age of 60 also strongly disagreed.

More women than men – 40% compared to 35% – strongly agreed with a ban on gambling advertising.

One Nation voters had the highest level of support for the ban, with 41% of the group in strong agreement.

However, this group also had the highest amount of participants that strongly disagreed, at 14%.

Participants from Western Australia were in the highest agreement of a ban, with 41% in total agreement. This was followed by New South Wales at 35%, Queensland at 31% and Victoria at 27%.

Dr Richard Denniss, executive director of the Australia Institute, said that the results showed great support for a blanket ban on gambling advertising.

“Results also show Australians have had enough of the gambling industry saturating our airwaves with messages enticing us to bet,” said Denniss.

“The majority view was clear on both junk food and gambling, across all voting intentions – give these ads the punt.”