CrownBet chief Matthew Tripp warns against blanket ban on gambling advertising

One of Australia’s leading corporate bookmakers has called for calm after it was revealed punters lost almost $23 billion last year.

The new figures have led to calls for tighter restrictions on advertising and the availability of online betting.

Poker machines are still undoubtedly Australia’s biggest money-guzzlers, but a 30 per cent spike in sports betting has also been highlighted as a concern.

CrownBet chief Matthew Tripp told Neil Mitchell he was in favour of tighter restrictions, but warned a blanket ban on advertising would cause more harm than good.

‘We need to a little bit careful what we wish for,’ Mr Tripp explained on 3AW Mornings.

‘I think a blanket ban is fraught with danger.

‘We’ve worked so hard to make sure that we are operators in a heavily regulated market here in Australia.

‘If advertising is banned altogether ? only one thing will happen ? it’ll force a lot of these gambling dollars back offshore into an unregulated environment.’

Click PLAY below to hear Matthew Tripp speak with Neil Mitchell

3AW Mornings caller Eddie told Neil Mitchell his 18-year-old son had started showing an interest in sports betting.

He said problem gambling shaped as a big issue in future.

‘You worry about the drugs and all that – but this will be the next big thing, for sure,’ he said.

Click PLAY below to hear Eddie’s call to Neil Mitchell on 3AW