Every Wednesday morning during sitting weeks, politicians, staffers, public servants and journalists gather for a friendly game of sport. It’s meant to be casual, even wholesome. 

But recently, that club, the Parliament Sports Club, quietly re-registered as a lobbying organisation. Its board includes the Prime Minister. Its members include representatives from the major sporting codes – and one of its sponsors is the gambling lobby.

All of this is happening while the government sits on a report that recommended a comprehensive ban on gambling ads; a ban that experts say is urgently needed to protect families and communities from the harms of gambling. 

Today, media reporter for Crikey Daanyal Saeed, on how a casual sporting meet up became a vehicle for lobbyists, and what it tells us about the gambling industry’s grip on politics. 

You can read Daany’s reporting here: https://www.crikey.com.au/2025/09/30/parliament-sports-club-gambling-lobby/
 

If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.


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Guest: Crikey’s media reporter Daanyal Saeed

Every Wednesday morning during sitting weeks, politicians, staffers, public servants and journalists gather for a friendly game of sport. It&rsquo;s meant to be casual, even wholesome.&nbsp;
But recently, that club, the Parliament Sports Club, quietly re-registered as a lobbying organisation. Its board includes the Prime Minister. Its members include representatives from the major sporting codes &ndash; and one of its sponsors is the gambling lobby.
All of this is happening while the government sits on a report that recommended a comprehensive ban on gambling ads; a ban that experts say is urgently needed to protect families and communities from the harms of gambling.&nbsp;
Today, media reporter for Crikey Daanyal Saeed, on how a casual sporting meet up became a vehicle for lobbyists, and what it tells us about the gambling industry&rsquo;s grip on politics.&nbsp;
You can read Daany&rsquo;s reporting here: https://www.crikey.com.au/2025/09/30/parliament-sports-club-gambling-lobby/ &nbsp;
If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.
 Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram
Guest: Crikey&rsquo;s media reporter Daanyal Saeed

An independent daily news show. We feature the country’s best reporters, covering the news as it affects Australia. This is news with narrative, every weekday.

An independent daily news show. We feature the country&rsquo;s best reporters, covering the news as it affects Australia. This is news with narrative, every weekday.

A daily news show from the publisher of The Monthly and The Saturday Paper.

A daily news show from the publisher of The Monthly and The Saturday Paper. Hear from the country’s best reporters, covering the news as it affects Australia. This is news with narrative, every weekday.

How the gambling lobby infiltrated social sports at Parliament House

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/aaf3b988-4489-44c2-ae9c-b36b007f1e44/transcript

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