Australian State Of Victoria Targets Online Gambling In Ads

The Australian state of Victoria has launched a series of ads showcasing the pitfalls of online gambling, specifically targeting sports betting.

The advertising campaign was launched to be run alongside the AFL Finals and Spring Racing Carnival. The media campaign will be shown via the internet, newspapers, radio and television and public transport ads. The tagline in the campaign is "Online gambling. It's easy to bet, too easy to lose," and shows the potential pitfalls associated with problem gamblers.

Michael O'Brien, Minister for Gaming in Victoria said, "(Online gambling) accessibility, while convenient for some, poses real risks to others of increased problem gambling. "New technology such as tablet computers, interactive television and smart phones means that it is easier than ever for Victorians to gamble from any location at any time."

Joining Minister O'Brien in supporting the ads, Professor Dan Lubman, Director of Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Centre said, "The ease of being able to gamble online can make it harder to stay in control. Whether it's day or night, gambling online is accessible anytime, making it more difficult to keep track of how much you spend."

To support the media campaign, the government also released the following statistics:

• 2.9% of residents in Victoria use the internet to online gamble.

• In 2010, the Productivity Commission found that online poker and sports betting appeared to be the fastest growing trends in terms of gambling, and suggested that the industry be regulated, which was denied by the federal government.

• A study is predicting that Australians will lose $611 million in online sports betting in 2011, which is up from $262 million in 2006, in contrast to the $12 billion Australians spend on terrestrial "pokies" each year.