Australian cricketer Khawaja criticizes government gambling ad ban delay

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Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja has criticized the Australian government for being “100% too slow” on implementing a ban on gambling advertisements.

The cricketer called for the immediate ban of gambling advertising and the severing of the link between wagering and sports to protect children.

Khawaja discussed the issue with crossbench MPs, public health experts, and doctors at Parliament House, the home of the Federal Parliament in Canberra. He said that the normalization of gambling for young people has become a serious issue.

“The relationship that young kids are having with gambling is scary and it’s dangerous,” Khawaja said. “I can’t watch an NRL (National Rugby League) game without getting odds right before a game.” He also revealed he plays with 16-year-old cricketers who have gambling accounts.

Australian leaders have delayed measures to address the problem, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese recently telling reporters on ABC News that an outright gambling ad ban would be difficult to enforce.

The call for a ban on gambling ads comes from a bipartisan parliamentary report led by the late Labor MP Peta Murphy, which recommended a ban on gambling ads after a three-year transition period.

Planned legislation was shelved before the past federal election because of opposition from broadcasters, sports governing bodies, and bookmakers.

Communications Minister Annika Wells has restarted negotiations with industry figures, and legislation is expected by the end of the year.

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