Andree Froude: Problem Gambling Foundation executive director on Australia placing restrictions on sports gambling ads

·13 min·1 clip

Australia bans gambling ads during live sports, but New Zealand says it won't follow suit—why not?

The episode begins with D'Arcy Waldegrave summarizing a New Zealand Herald article about Australia's new restrictions on sports gambling advertisements, which will ban ads during live sporting events between 6am and 8:30pm starting January 1st. He notes that New Zealand has stated it will not follow suit at this time. Guest Andree Froude, Principal Advisor for Advocacy and Engagement at the Problem Gambling Foundation, joins to discuss the issue. Froude immediately criticizes Australia's measures as a 'partial ban' that doesn't go far enough to protect young people from gambling ads. She explains that the TAB deliberately targets young men aged 18-29 through its Betcha app, normalizing gambling as a 'right of passage' at university. Froude draws a comparison to tobacco advertising, questioning why gambling ads are accepted when tobacco ads are banned due to harm. The host raises the counterargument of personal responsibility, asking if education and caregiver guidance should suffice to prevent addiction. Froude responds by describing gambling addiction as a process where choice is eroded, akin to a drug-induced dopamine hit, and emphasizes the need for public health measures. She disputes the gambling industry's claim that only a small percentage are harmed, arguing harm exists on a continuum from financial strain to severe life impacts. The discussion touches on the efficacy of TV and radio advertising versus social media, with Froude noting the difficulty in regulating offshore operators based in places like Malta. The host questions if restrictions are an overreach, but Froude advocates for stronger protections. Finally, Froude opposes funding community sports through gambling proceeds, likening it to tobacco, and urges New Zealand to implement restrictions or a ban, referencing the ongoing online casino bill.

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from Sportstalk with D'Arcy Waldegrave