ABC points out deficiencies in the way gambling is regulated in Australia

• Gambling-related harm may be underreported in Australia in general
• The penalties that companies face for breaching gambling laws are described as "feeble," ABC argues in a report
• Gambling companies have been known to hire regulators and donate to politicians, raising questions about integrity

A new ABC Four Corners’ investigation has highlighted the issues surrounding gambling in Australia and specifically focuses on certain aspects of the existing regulation that the reporters argued could have long been improved.

The real number of gambling-related harm cases could be underreported, and therefore, the actual impact that gambling is having on the nation is not fully understood. One of the reasons why this is the case has to do with the so-called video poker machines.

The industry and politicians are too close to fully protect consumers

Pokies, as they are referred to locally, could be one of the main drivers of this chronic underreporting, argues the investigation.

A pre-commitment level for pokies would mean that people who sit down to play would have their wins and losses tracked clearly, but in the absence of such a measure (something that poker machine venues have been pushing against), tracking the levels of harm has become more difficult.

The investigation, however, focused more on the political ties that exist between lawmakers and regulators on the one side, and the industry on the other, with ABC investigative journalists suggesting that the two groups were too close to effectively protect consumers’ interests.

Among the potential issues, ABC pointed out the donations that politicians received from sector companies, as well as questionable appointments of regulators' staff after they had stepped down from their public-sector position.

Poker machines need to be paid more attention to

ABC also called the consequences that gambling companies faced "feeble," and instances of consumers losing large amounts of money, only to be approached by rival companies offering them to play with them instead.

In the meantime, advertisement measures such as pre-commitment systems have floundered in places such as Tasmania, Victoria, and New South Wales, with lawmakers hesitant to incorporate them.

These remarks come at a time when land-based gaming and entertainment giants Star Entertainment and Crown Resorts, which have faced scrutiny over their shortcomings in imposing AML and CTF measures. Both companies have faced multiple fines and ongoing oversight of their casino licenses.

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