Sportsbet, Tabcorp donations boosted Labor coffers amid gambling reform delays
As the Albanese government delayed reform on television gambling ads, two big gaming companies helped fund its election 2025 campaign.
Betting giants Tabcorp and Sportsbet lavished the Albanese government with electoral donations last year at the same time as the federal government decided to delay consideration on proposed limits to TV gambling advertisements.
New data from the Australian Electoral Commission Commission shows Labor received $71,500 from Sportsbet and $60,500 from Tabcorp in the 2024-25 financial year as the betting giants lobbied against a proposed crackdown on gambling advertisements.
Today's data has landed amid accusations from key crossbenchers Kate Chaney and Andrew Wilkie that the government is in the thrall of betting companies and sporting administrators despite caucus and community pressure over gaming harm.
“This is about money and power,’’ Chaney told Capital Brief. “They are absolutely doing whatever they are told by gaming companies.’’
