The gambling ad ban isn’t about gambling. It’s about the future of the media.

This article is an instalment in a new series, Punted, on the government’s failure to reform gambling advertising.

There’s a common misconception that the government’s consideration of regulation of gambling ads is about gambling. “The Albanese government needs to find the courage to stand up to gambling companies and do what’s right,” ACT Senator David Pocock said after the media reported that the government was considering a cap on ads rather than a full ban. “[Communications Minister] Michelle Rowland is giving the gambling giants pretty much what they want,” said independent MP Zoe Daniel.

In fact gambling companies are strongly divided on banning advertising, as recommended by last year’s inquiry headed by the late Peta Murphy.