According to new research, more than 3.3 million Australians—over 15% of the population—are facing some form of gambling harm. This data, gathered by Roy Morgan, claims to be the country’s largest independent research company, highlights the widespread impact of gambling behavior.
The findings indicate that approximately 13% of Australians, or roughly 2,857,000 people, suffer from gambling harm related to their own actions, while 5.4%, equating to about 1,177,000 individuals, experience harm due to someone else's gambling.
The financial implications are significant, with respondents primarily reporting a decline in available spending money as the most common form of harm. Other reported issues include reduced savings and decreased spending on leisure activities. In January, New South Wales recorded significant losses from poker machines, averaging $245 in losses per adult resident over three months—an increase of 9% from the previous year, situating the region among the world's top gambling losers.
Aside from financial damage, the research uncovered considerable mental distress among individuals related to gambling. Nearly 6% of adults over 18 expressed regret over their gambling activities. Other reported emotional impacts included feelings of shame, failure, and distress, as well as spending less time with loved ones.
In response, the Albanese Government is set to introduce several reforms aimed at curbing gambling harm. Michele Levine, CEO of Roy Morgan, emphasized the necessity of understanding the substantial harm gambling inflicts on many Australians as these reforms are developed. The government’s new regulations will include a ban on gambling advertisements during live sports on television from 6 AM to 8:30 PM, as well as limiting the number of gambling ads outside these times to a maximum of three per hour. Gambling ads will also be prohibited in sports stadiums and on players' uniforms, alongside a ban on the use of celebrities and athletes in such advertisements. Additionally, new restrictions will limit gambling radio ads during school drop-off and pick-up times, and online ads will only be accessible to logged-in users over 18, with an opt-out option available. The government will also enforce stricter measures against illegal offshore gambling operators and provide extra funding for education about gambling harm and financial counseling.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that these measures aim to balance the freedom for individuals to gamble while safeguarding children from excessive exposure to betting advertisements. "These regulations allow adults to gamble if they wish while ensuring that our children are not constantly exposed to betting ads," he said during an announcement of the reforms back in April. These rules are expected to take effect starting January next year.
Critics of the new regulations have called for a comprehensive ban on gambling advertisements. Tim Costello, a spokesperson for the Alliance for Gambling Reform, expressed concern that allowing three ads per hour is still excessive. "Imagine three cigarette ads per hour," Costello said, emphasizing that Australian children deserve an environment prioritizing their welfare over corporate interests.
In light of these developments, gambling organizations face accusations of lobbying against a full ban. Kai Cantwell, CEO of Responsible Wagering Australia, condemned the proposed regulations as draconian and warned of their broader implications, stating, "Today it’s gambling advertising, tomorrow it’s alcohol, sugary drinks, fast food, and more. Who knows what else will follow?"
