In a striking revelation, Australian politicians were gifted over A$245,000 ($147,000) worth of sports tickets during a critical period when the government was considering a ban on online gambling advertisements. The generous tickets, handed out by the country’s major sporting leagues, raise questions about the influence of the gambling industry on political decisions.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s government had promised reform following a 2023 parliamentary inquiry recommending a comprehensive ban on online gambling ads. However, the ban was postponed and left to be reconsidered after the upcoming May 2025 elections. Despite three-quarters of Australians supporting such a ban, it appears lobbying by the gambling industry and sporting bodies has effectively stalled the policy.
Between June 2023 and March 2025, Australian politicians received 312 match tickets, many of which were valued at high amounts and included grand finals and major events. Politicians, including Albanese and opposition leader Peter Dutton, were among those benefiting from these gifts. Although this form of lobbying is legal in Australia, it raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest and the broader influence of the gambling industry on national policy.
Notably, the National Rugby League (NRL) and Australian Football League (AFL) – two of the country’s most prominent sports leagues – played key roles in this lobbying campaign, hoping to prevent the gambling advertising ban that could impact their substantial revenue streams. The NRL alone earns A$70 million annually from gambling-related revenue, a figure that would drastically drop under the proposed ban.
The connection between the sports industry and politicians has come under scrutiny, with experts calling it a form of soft diplomacy. Politicians attending sporting events and receiving hospitality could potentially be swayed by the interests of these lucrative sports organizations, which often align with the gambling sector.
As the gambling reform debate continues to heat up, critics argue that the delay in action represents a missed opportunity to protect Australian consumers from the harmful effects of gambling advertising. The transparency of the ticket gifts only adds to the growing concerns about the extent of influence exerted by the gambling industry on Australian politics.
Ultimately, the situation highlights the complex relationship between sport, politics, and the financial interests that shape them. As Australia prepares for elections, the question remains: will the government’s commitment to reform be swayed by these powerful forces, or will the public demand action on the issue they overwhelmingly support?
