A recent study indicates that over 3.3 million Australians, approximately 15% of the population, are suffering from gambling-related harm. The findings, published by Roy Morgan—Australia's largest independent research company—highlight the scope of the issue in the country.
The research reveals that 13% of Australians, or about 2.9 million people, are dealing with gambling harm stemming from their own activities, while 5.4% of the population, roughly 1.2 million individuals, are affected by someone else's gambling habits.
Financial setbacks are the primary form of harm reported. Common issues include reduced disposable income, diminished savings, and lesser spending on recreational activities. In January, New South Wales recorded a staggering average loss of $245 per adult resident on poker machines (pokies) over the span of three months—a 9% increase compared to the previous year, marking the region as one of the largest gambling jurisdictions in the world.
Emotional distress follows as a significant concern. The study found that 5.9% of adults over 18, the legal gambling age in Australia, expressed regret regarding their gambling behavior. Other reported emotional impacts included feelings of shame, failure, distress, and decreased time with loved ones.
Amidst these concerns, the Albanese Government is enacting new restrictions on gambling advertisements. Michele Levine, CEO of Roy Morgan, emphasized the need for a thorough understanding of the gambling-related harm that millions experience as reforms are introduced. Some of the new policies include:
– Prohibition of gambling advertisements during live sports on television between 6 AM and 8:30 PM.
– A cap of three gambling ads per hour on TV outside of live sports during those hours.
– A ban on gambling ads in sports venues and on athletes' uniforms.
– Restrictions on celebrities and athletes from promoting gambling ads.
– Prohibitions on gambling radio ads during school drop-off and pick-up hours.
– Limitations on online gambling ads to individuals who are over 18, logged in, and have the option to opt out.
– Enhanced enforcement against unlawful offshore gambling operators.
– Additional funding aimed at gambling harm education and financial counseling.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that the goal of the new measures is to balance the freedom for adults to gamble while protecting children from exposure to betting advertisements. He noted, "This is about allowing adults to have a punt if they want to, but ensuring our children don’t see betting ads everywhere they look," when he announced the regulations in April, which are set to take effect in January next year.
Critics argue, however, that the measures do not go far enough, calling for a complete ban on gambling advertisements. Tim Costello, speaking for the Alliance for Gambling Reform, critiqued the allowance of three ads per hour as excessive, drawing a comparison to cigarette advertising: "Imagine three cigarette ads per hour. Australian children deserve to grow up in a country that puts their wellbeing before corporate profits."
In response to the growing backlash, gambling groups have been accused of lobbying against a total ban on ads. Kai Cantwell, CEO of Responsible Wagering Australia, denounced the measures as "draconian" and cautioned that the restrictions set a dangerous precedent, suggesting that today’s gambling ad regulations could pave the way for future restrictions on advertising for other products, including alcohol and unhealthy food items.
