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. 

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

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Guest: Crikey’s media reporter Daanyal Saeed