Appendix W Podcast: Stacking the Deck: Gambling Harm and the Politics of Reform

Anthony Frosh speaks with Martin Thomas, CEO, Alliance for Gambling Reform. The Alliance is best known for campaigning to reduce gambling harm through policy reform. Alongside advocacy, the organisation has commissioned and promoted research into gambling participation, particularly among young Australians.

Some of the main topics discussed in the episode include:

• How gambling has become a public health issue

• How the gambling landscape has changed over the last 10-20 years.

• Young people and gambling

• Evidence for gambling harm

• Recent policy and regulatory reforms, and Martin’s critique of those reforms

• Policy considerations and recommendations

• What the landscape might look like 10 years from now

To find more information about the research discussed, as well as other adjacent research, visit the AGR website: https://www.agr.org.au

For the specific research about young people, see https://www.agr.org.au/young-people-gambling-and-harm1

Content warning: This episode mentions suicide. If you or someone you know needs support there is help available. You can call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or for help with gambling you can get free and confidential help 24/7 through Gambler's Help on 1800 858 858 or online here.

Martin Thomas is the CEO of the Alliance for Gambling Reform.

The Alliance for Gambling Reform is a national advocacy organisation working to reduce gambling harm in Australia. They partner with other organisations and with local councils with the aim of reducing the level of gambling harm in Australia, working to change the laws and rules governing the gambling industry.  They do not seek to ban gambling but rather to influence government to minimise the harmful behaviours of the gambling industry.