Federal Member for Throsby Stephen Jones is asking locals to back his campaign to ban sports betting promotions during games and telecasts. He has circulated a petition which he is asking locals to sign.

Last week in the Illawarra Mercury Stephen called for the Australian sporting codes to voluntarily cut the ads from their telecasts.

I dont have a problem with betting but as a parent and a sports fan, I want to be able to enjoy a game with my kids without constant interruption from these sites urging me to have a bet, said Jones.

There is a place for betting but when your kids start quoting the odds theyve just heard on TV, you know things are out of hand.

It is estimated that since 2006, there has been a 230% increase in online sports betting and now represents about 15-20% of problem gamblers in Australia.

This is an issue that Ive been looking into recently as a member of the Parliamentary Gambling Committee.

We cant let this get out of control.

I urge locals to get on to my website and add their signature to show that there is significant community support in the region and we want something to be done.

The petition is available online at Stephen Jones website at www.stephenjones.org.au.

Read his opinion piece at www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/1360881/blog-get-rid-of-sports-betting-ads/?cs=298.