Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja has called for stricter controls on gambling advertisements in sports, highlighting concerns about teenagers being exposed to betting culture. Speaking on the ABC podcast, Khawaja emphasized that the connection between sport and gambling is now deeply ingrained. Khawaja said, “Nowadays I’m seeing 15-16-year-olds with betting accounts. They feel like they have to bet to enjoy sports. Sport and betting just go together, which is a bizarre shift. If we keep putting gambling in front of kids without showing the consequences, it can be a very slippery slope." He highlighted that sports organisations and media have a responsibility to shield young audiences. He added, “I think the biggest thing for us is responsibility to the younger generation. When I watch an NRL game — and I love footy, go the Raiders — I see gambling every single time before the game. I see the odds every single time." Khawaja aims to personally present his concerns to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and advocate for the recommendations from the recent parliamentary inquiry into gambling harm. The inquiry’s report, You Win Some, You Lose More, labelled gambling a growing public health issue and made 31 proposals for reform. These include a national gambling regulator funded by levies on betting companies, bans on inducements and gambling advertising, tighter protections for vulnerable groups, mandatory data sharing from wagering operators, increased research funding, and extensive education campaigns. Protecting young Australians from gambling exposure The report also urged a stronger crackdown on illegal betting platforms that target Australians. Khawaja believes that banning gambling promotions during sporting events would be a vital first step. Khawaja said, “I think we need to do more. I’d love to see very little gambling or gambling ads during sporting events. That’s something players, organisers and the government need to work on together to make sure the younger generation is protected." Khawaja’s push aligns with international actions, such as India’s Online Gaming Bill 2025, which banned real-money online games to protect young users. By advocating for reform, Khawaja aims to create a sports culture where enjoyment is not linked to gambling, and where teenagers can watch games without pressure to place bets. His intervention brings to light the ethical responsibility of sport in society and stresses that gambling promotion cannot be normalised for impressionable audiences. The call for change now rests on policymakers, sports organisations, and broadcasters to implement meaningful measures.