Gambling companies gifted hospitality to 19 Australian politicians for major sports events

Alliance for Gambling Reform labels gifts an undemocratic opportunity for lobbying' but MPs defend hospitality as within rules and properly disclosed

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Gambling reform campaigners have accused wagering companies of showering" federal politicians with hospitality as the government considers advertising restrictions, with new data showing betting groups have given numerous free tickets to MPs.

New analysis from the Alliance for Gambling Reform, informed by a new database collecting all federal politicians' updates to their parliamentary register of interests, shows at least 19 have accepted hospitality from wagering companies to attend major events including the Melbourne Cup, Australian Open, AFL matches and cricket games.

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