Rolling The Dice: Politicians, Gifts, And The Gambling Industry's Grip On Power

Gambling in Australia isn’t just a social issue—it’s a political one. Recent investigations have revealed that nearly a quarter of federal politicians have received gifts or own shares in gambling companies, raising concerns about the depth of the industry’s influence on our government.

‍

Betting Big: A Troubling Trend

Over the past five years, major party politicians have accepted at least 299 gifts from the gambling industry, according to an eye-opening analysis by Crikey and Open Politics. These gifts range from tickets to sporting events and shows to lavish hospitality. 

Since the May 2019 election, 48 current federal politicians—21% of all federal lawmakers—have reported receiving these perks from the gambling sector. Additionally, at least a dozen politicians hold financial stakes in gambling companies, raising further red flags.

‍

High Stakes: Why This Matters

The gambling industry rakes in billions annually, but it’s also responsible for significant social costs, including problem gambling and mental health issues. When politicians are cosy with this industry through gifts and financial interests, it begs the question: can they truly regulate the sector without bias? 

Even the mere appearance of conflicts of interest can erode public trust and result in policies that favour industry profits over the public good.

‍

Playing the Odds: Influence and Accountability

This isn’t just about individual politicians—it’s about the larger issue of how powerful industries can shape the political landscape. The gambling industry’s aggressive lobbying, combined with the financial interests of some politicians, creates a risky environment where policy could be crafted to benefit the few rather than the many. 

To counter this, we need greater transparency, stricter rules on gifts and shareholdings, and a commitment to reducing the influence of money in politics.

‍