Wed. Nov 6th, 2024
Probe into gambling - and ‘loot boxes’

The advertising of live sports betting and simulated gambling in video games come under fire in a parliamentary inquiry in Australia, reports The Age newspaper today.


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The inquiry will tour the country to canvass victims of online gambling addiction, says the newspaper. The investigation will be led by Labour MP Peta Murphy, who chairs the lower house standing committee on social policy. Murphy is an advocate of targeting gambling advertising during sports games.

“What we want to do with this inquiry is really interrogate how effective the current regime is in reducing problem gambling,” Murphy said. “It’s not about banning gambling, but it’s really about reducing problem gambling and seeing if we can stop it before it starts.”

The inquiry – which may inform government policy changes – will examine the effectiveness of current online gambling regulations and advertising restrictions, including advertising on social media and through sponsorship or branding.

It will also look at whether action should be taken to curb simulated gambling in video games. Parents and experts have expressed concern about the rise of “loot boxes,” in which gamers are encouraged by games to spend real or virtual money to access troves containing rewards such as weapons.

By Xplayer