Key Moments:
- A Sportsbet representative attended an Australian Labour Party fundraising dinner with Minister Kristy McBain earlier this week
- Sportsbet stated its presence was for regular consultation and to advocate for safer gambling measures
- Calls for stronger gambling ad restrictions resurfaced as crossbench MPs urged the government to adopt the 2023 inquiry’s recommendations
Political Fundraising and Gambling Sector Engagement
Sportsbet, a brand under Flutter Entertainment, took part in a fundraising dinner hosted by the Australian Labour Party’s business-forum arm this week. The event was attended by Kristy McBain, Minister for Regional Development, and included a selected group of donors, among whom was a representative from Sportsbet. Tickets to the 90-minute gathering were sold at approximately $4,000 each, though some participants reportedly paid a lower rate.
Sportsbet’s Stance on Lobbying and Safer Gambling Initiatives
In response to questions, Sportsbet clarified its participation at government events as part of routine involvement in business forums. A spokesperson said to SiGMA News: “Sportsbet is one of hundreds of businesses involved in consultations with the government through business forums. Our memberships to these forums are disclosed in accordance with the law and our spend on these memberships has decreased over each of the past three years.”
Emphasizing its advocacy for safer gambling, the company added: “Through our dialogue with governments, Sportsbet has advocated for safer gambling regulatory measures, including a credit card ban, Betstop (the National Self-Exclusion Register) and zero-day verification for customers.” The spokesperson further stated that Sportsbet would “continue to advocate strongly for further measures such as an industry-wide ban on commissions and affiliates, which we implemented in 2022.”
Renewed Focus on Political Donations and Advertising Regulation
The Guardian reported that the fundraising event coincided with a press conference by four crossbench MPs, who urged the federal government to resist gambling sector lobbying and enforce tougher advertising limitations. These MPs advocated for the adoption of the 2023 parliamentary inquiry’s recommendations for a gradual, comprehensive ban on gambling advertisements. Confirmation of Sportsbet’s attendance came from “multiple sources unable to speak publicly,” according to The Guardian.
Labour’s approach to fundraising has previously come under public scrutiny. In 2023, then communications minister Michelle Rowland faced questions regarding a dinner funded by Sportsbet, but maintained the donation adhered to existing rules, later pledging to cease accepting gambling-industry contributions. Labour fundraising organizers have since excluded gambling companies from events with the prime minister or communications minister, but smaller business-forum dinners, such as the recent event with Minister McBain, have continued.
Legislative Action and Industry Reactions
Amid mounting political pressure, the federal government is preparing to introduce new laws aimed at tightening gambling advertising before the parliamentary year concludes. Communications Minister Anika Wells has conducted discussions with leaders from gambling, advertising, and media sectors concerning the upcoming reforms. Draft proposals from last year included restrictions such as limiting television gambling commercials to two per hour between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m., along with further limits during children’s and live-sports programming.
Nevertheless, a recent SiGMA News update indicated that a complete ban on online advertising is currently improbable, with policymakers warning such a ban could increase participation on unlicensed offshore platforms. The 2023 inquiry had called for a three-year phased ban and proposed a national gambling regulator to centralize oversight, replacing Australia’s state-based regulatory system.
| Event | Participants | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Labour Party Fundraiser Dinner | Kristy McBain, Sportsbet representative, small group of donors | Tickets about $4,000 each; some received discounts |
| Press Conference | Four crossbench MPs | Called for adoption of 2023 inquiry’s gambling ad ban recommendations |
| Government Consultation | Minister Anika Wells, industry representatives | Discussions on proposed advertising restrictions and industry regulations |
- Author
Daniel Williams
