Strategic inducements such as “bonus bets” and cashback offers are luring Australians into problem gambling, an anti-gambling lobby has warned, as it called on the government to outlaw the practice.

The Alliance for Gambling Reform blamed weak advertising and consumer protection laws for the promotions it says are carefully designed to make the customer believe they are placing “safer” bets and that a win is more likely.

A paper released by the alliance warns supposed “risk free” bets that offer a refund under certain conditions are a highly enticing inducement, which are “cynically targeting people with gambling problems through tailored, personalised marketing”.

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