The Australian Senate today voted in favour of a motion from Greens Senator, Dr Richard Di Natale, to conduct an inquiry into the impact of advertising and promotion of gambling on sport.

“As a sports tragic and former VFA footballer I am committed to maintaining the integrity of our major sporting codes.

“But turning a footy match into an interactive gambling experience brings with it the increased risk of match fixing. Revelations today about links between organised crime and sporting codes should demonstrate just how real that threat has become in Australia.

Greens spokesperson for both gambling and sport, Senator Richard Di Natale, said today that he would move for an inquiry into the promotion of gambling in sport.

“Sports betting advertising is out of control and kids are finding it hard to know where a game of sport ends and gambling begins,” said Senator Di Natale.

“10 years ago kids used to collect footy cards, now they follow the odds of their favourite player winning the Brownlow.