‘Dangerous and deluded’: MPs, advocates criticise major Australian sports gambling reform pushback

Leading campaigner, Tim Costello, ‘laughed out loud in disbelief’ at firms’ claims they ‘had the balance right’

Gambling reform advocates and those harmed by online betting say it is “dangerous and deluded” for Australia’s biggest sporting codes to oppose greater regulation.

Support for tougher restrictions is growing with Allegra Spender, a federal independent MP, the latest politician to voice concerns about young people being exposed to gambling via advertising.

Sign up for Guardian Australia’s free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup