UPDATE: More than 3.1 million Australians have experienced significant harm from gambling in the past year, according to a groundbreaking study released today by the Australian Gambling Research Centre. The research, which surveyed nearly 4,000 individuals, reveals alarming trends as gambling participation surges and financial losses mount.
The study found that 65 percent of respondents had gambled at least once in the past year, with over 30 percent engaging in gambling activities monthly. Australians collectively lose a staggering $32 billion on legal gambling each year, the highest per capita losses globally.
This urgent report highlights that many individuals suffer from gambling-related issues, including feelings of guilt and stress, borrowing money, and selling personal belongings to fund their gambling habits. The findings indicate that almost 20 percent of individuals whose partners gamble weekly reported experiencing intimate partner violence, compared to just 7 percent among those whose partners do not gamble.
Young adults, particularly those aged 18 to 24, are facing the most severe impacts, with regular gamblers in this age group nearly twice as likely to experience high levels of harm compared to older generations. Indigenous Australians are also disproportionately affected, with 27 percent reporting gambling harms—almost double the rate of their non-Indigenous counterparts.
The research shows regional disparities in gambling participation, with Queensland, Western Australia, and South Australia exhibiting the highest rates, while Victoria and Tasmania reported the lowest. Notably, men are more likely than women to gamble regularly, engaging in riskier forms such as race and sports betting, while women tend to prefer activities like scratch tickets and bingo.
Dr. Gabriel Tillman, a research fellow at the Australian Gambling Research Centre, emphasized the profound effects of gambling on individuals and families: “We know that gambling can cause deep harm to individuals and families, profoundly impacting relationships, mental health, work, and other aspects of life.” He expressed concern that despite harm-reduction measures, the number of Australians facing gambling harms has increased in recent years.
The Australian federal government is currently finalizing its response to a landmark gambling harm inquiry, which was led by the late Peta Murphy. The inquiry’s final report, due by the end of 2025, includes key recommendations such as a ban on gambling advertising and inducements. Dr. Tillman criticized existing measures like self-exclusion registers, stating they do not adequately address the modern gambling landscape, calling for frontline staff training and stricter regulation of advertising.
As the impact of gambling continues to escalate, mental health support resources remain crucial. Those struggling with gambling-related issues are encouraged to reach out to the National Gambling Helpline at 1800 858 858 or contact Lifeline at 13 11 14.
With these developments, Australians are urged to reconsider the implications of gambling on their lives and communities. The urgency of addressing gambling harm has never been more critical.
