Australian political parties took more than $450,000 in donations from gambling firms

Finance News

Political donations from gambling companies has surged, Unions were a significant cash cow for Labor while banks, consultants and legal firms donated across party lines.

Gambling companies donated tens of thousands of dollars to Labor as the government mulled reforming sports betting before shelving any legislation.

Sportsbet donated $88,000, Tabcorp $60,500, the Lottery Corporation $44,000 and peak body Responsible Wagering Australia $66,000.

Tens of thousands of dollars more were funnelled into some of the party’s state branches.The gambling companies have also donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to the coalition.

Tabcorp donated tens of thousands of dollars more to Labor’s state divisions on top of more than $90,000 to the Liberals and Nationals and their associated state branches.

n response to a request for comment, Opposition spokesperson for communications Melissa McIntosh said: “It has been almost two years since Opposition leader Peter Dutton made it clear that a Coalition government would prioritise protecting Australians from gambling harm.”

“In June 2023, the Coalition introduced a bill to the Senate that would stop gambling ads for live sport one hour before, during and one hour after the television and radio broadcasting and live streaming of matches. Labor and the Greens voted against the bill,” she said.

“Since the Opposition Leader’s announcement, the prime minister has been unable to make a stand on gambling advertising, despite a Labor-led report calling for it, and pressure from his own backbench and the teals and advocacy groups.”

SBS News has contacted the Labor party for comment but is yet to receive a reply.

RECOMMENDED