Independent candidate for Cowper, Caz Heise, today announced her commitment to addressing the gambling crisis facing Australia,  with recent analysis revealing staggering losses across the Mid North Coast.

“Gambling harm is ripping our communities apart - and the major parties are doing nothing because they’re bought and paid for by the gambling industry,” Caz said.

“We lose more per capita to gambling than any other country, with Australians collectively losing over $25 billion a year. This is a staggering figure that reflects a deep societal issue.” 

“Instead of addressing this crisis, the major parties are protecting the gambling industry, and taking millions in donations from gambling giants like Tabcorp, Star Casino, and Responsible Wagering Australia.

“They’ve fought against cashless gaming cards, blocked action on online gambling, and refused to ban donations from the gambling lobby,” Caz said. “Meanwhile, regional towns like ours pay the price.”

Caz is calling for a new direction in policy-making, one that puts community welfare over corporate profits. 

“We need leaders who will stand up to these gambling corporations. I will support the following measures to protect our communities:

• Ban Political Donations: Prohibit political donations from gambling companies to eliminate the industry’s ability to buy influence.

• Implement Cashless Gaming Cards: This would help combat money laundering and reduce gambling harm.

• Stronger Regulations on Online Gambling: We must enforce more robust regulations and restrictions on advertising to protect young and vulnerable individuals.

• Increase Support for Gambling Harm Services: It’s vital to bolster support services, particularly in regional areas where the need is greatest.”

Caz emphasised the reality of gambling harm across the nation. 

“Pokies are engineered for addiction, draining over $14 billion annually from Australians, particularly hurting regional areas. Online gambling is out of control, with targeted advertising drawing in a new generation and losses from online betting growing by 40% in just five years,”  

“The reality is that gambling harm fuels family breakdowns, financial stress, and mental health issues, and our support services are stretched to their limits, especially in regional communities like ours.”

Caz also acknowledged the complex role local pubs play.

“I understand that many local pubs rely on gambling revenue to survive. That’s why real reform must go hand-in-hand with economic solutions that support local businesses - not just protect the profits of multinational gambling companies.”

“We deserve a government that puts people over profits, not politicians who are beholden to the gambling lobby,” Caz concluded.