Australia is having a giant debate about an advertising ban for online gambling companies. In 2023, a bipartisan inquiry into the harm caused by online gambling and their ads delivered a number of recommendations, including the phase-out of all advertising for online gambling services in Australia. But it appears the Albanese government will instead opt for a partial prohibition, which experts have warned would be ineffective. Nevertheless, the prospect of any prohibition has put the gambling lobby – and the TV stations that benefit from this ad revenue – on the defensive. Already, we’re hearing the same talking points repeated again and again and again. Guardian Australia’s Matilda Boseley takes a look at the top three anti-gambling ad ban arguments to see if they stack up.

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