Gavin Fineff, a former financial planner who is currently in prison for stealing AUD3.3 million ($2.2 million) to support his sports betting habit, has contacted Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. From his jail cell, Fineff asks the government to adopt all of the recommendations made by the parliamentary inquiry for online gambling harm prevention and impose stronger rules on what he calls predatory businesses.
Prisoner Condemns Australian Bookmakers’ Practices
In his letter, Fineff also criticizes bookmakers such as Ladbrokes, Tabcorp and BetEasy for taking advantage of his addiction, allowing him to lose substantial sums without adequate income verification, and retaining the proceeds of his crimes, reported Australian media ABC. He emphasizes that the gambling industry systematically cultivates and exploits addictions, a practice he argues must be halted to protect more individuals from similar fates.
The “You Win Some, You Lose More” report was published by the parliamentary inquiry which was led by the late Peta Murphy. The report made 31 different recommendations designed to minimize the harm caused by gambling.
These range from forcing gamblers to prove their identity before making bets to stopping companies offering inducements online and setting up a national regulator for the industry across Australia. Murphy wanted this problem treated like a health issue, highlighting Australia’s significant gambling losses and the deep integration of gambling with sports culture.
The Albanese government has received these recommendations, however, it has not acted upon them. In response to the slow process, independent MP Andrew Wilkie said that this move dishonors Murphy’s heritage as well as all the work done by inquiry committees. He argued that immediate steps should be taken on all fronts in order to address widespread damages caused by gambling.
On the other hand, communications Minister Michelle Rowland claimed that they are committed to minimizing the harms associated with online wagering while consulting stakeholders for more reforms. Still, she did not give a specific time frame for when these reforms will take place.
Fineff’s Letter Highlights Urgent Need for Gambling Reform
Fineff, who gave evidence at the inquiry believed that public health had been put second after profits made by gambling companies. He stated that in Australia addiction problems were worsened by the fast nature of online betting and therefore called for immediate adoption of the recommendations.
Wilkie, supporting Fineff’s advocacy, is distributing the letter to parliamentarians. He believes that Fineff, despite his crimes, is sincere in his efforts to highlight gambling addiction issues and advocate for solutions.
Four years ago ABC Investigations chronicled examples where Fineff was exploited through VIP programs run by betting agencies which used him heavily even when they knew very well how broke he was. Fineff’s case shows there should be tighter laws so that no other person goes through such an ordeal again.
In his letter, Fineff attacked the absence of legal accountability for gambling companies and urged the return of crime proceeds to victims. He argued that stolen funds should be treated similarly to stolen property, which law enforcement would typically return to the rightful owner.