Australia has the highest gambling losses in the world, according to a report from the Grattan Institute published in September. The net amount Australians lost from gambling when accounting for winnings was $32 billion in the 2022/23 financial year, up from $28 billion from the previous year.

A large ad from Brisbane-based betting site Picklebet displayed on the outside of Sydney's trains and inside the carriages in recent weeks has pushed the issue into the spotlight. After images of the advertisements were posted on social media, commenters criticised the government for accepting money from companies to advertise gambling on public infrastructure to commuters, including children.

'Normalising gambling across the community'

The ad on Sydney trains does include contact details for the gambling helpline and a Transport for NSW spokesperson said all ads on public transport had to abide by certain laws and standards.

"Our advertising suppliers must ensure that all advertising material complies with all applicable laws, accepted industry standards and codes of conduct established by the advertising industry," they said.

However, Alliance for Gambling Reform CEO Martin Thomas said such ads were harmful and should be banned. "These are adverts on a train that anyone can see at any age and it really is aimed at normalising gambling across the community," he said.

A spokesperson for NSW Transport Minister Jo Haylen said the government was considering changes to gambling advertising on trains. "We understand the community's concern and are exploring what changes are possible under the existing advertising contracts," they said.

'We're after a cultural shift'

Mr Thomas said the prevalence of ads not just on public transport but also across online spaces was a major issue. "We know that gambling companies spend an enormous amount of money on gambling ads," he said. "We see a million gambling ads on our screens each year, which is just outrageous."

He raised concerns over betting companies "really focusing on young people" and using social media to advertise.

"We believe people should have a punt and be happy to have a punt, but we don't need so many gambling ads that particularly lure children into a life of gambling."

Australian Psychological Society (APS) CEO Zena Burgess said she also supported a ban.

"We really want to see young people protected from exposure to internet gambling and online gaming, and advertising it on public transport really reminds them of how they can get involved in gambling and gaming," she said. "We need a focus on consumer protection measures to help people manage their gambling and to prevent people, particularly the young folks, from developing harmful gambling behaviours."

Dr Burgess said the APS was "really keen to see each state government exercise social responsibility".

"We're after a cultural shift in the existing approach by the industry, which tends to glorify gambling and make it look like it's a game, when in fact it's a risk issue."

Ads 'major culprit' for high gambling losses

The Grattan Institute report found that one in three Australians gambled regularly. Our average annual losses per adult ($1,635), it suggests, far exceed the average in similar countries such as the US ($809) and New Zealand ($584).

It also reported that betting and poker machines were the most damaging forms of gambling as it accounted for three quarters of losses in the country.

The think tank said the "major culprit" behind these statistics was gambling ads and recommended the government implemented a total ban.

The Albanese government has been under pressure to restrict advertising after late Labor MP Peta Murphy delivered a parliamentary report recommending a total ban last year.

It was confirmed this week that the changes have been delayed until next year.

Labor has been divided over ad restrictions for months, with a group of caucus members advocating for a total ban in line with Ms Murphy's recommendations, and others including the prime minister pushing for a partial ban.