Australia’s Gambling Crisis Deepens as New Study Shows Rising Harm

Overview of Australia’s Gambling Problem

Australia is widely recognized for its high levels of gambling activity, and recent research has highlighted a troubling increase in gambling-related harm across the country. Despite governmental efforts to curb these issues, addiction rates continue to rise, prompting calls from health experts for expanded reforms to address the severe social and economic consequences of problem gambling.

Key Findings from the Latest Research

The National Gambling Prevalence Study Pilot, conducted in 2024 by the Australian Gambling Research Centre at the Institute of Family Studies, surveyed nearly 4,000 adults. Results indicate that 65% of Australians gambled in the past year, up from 57% in 2019. Alarmingly, 15% of participants—approximately 3.1 million adults—reported experiencing harm caused by gambling.

This report outlined a wide range of negative effects, including emotional distress, financial problems, and resorting to borrowing money or selling possessions to cover gambling losses. Those classified as high-risk gamblers were particularly vulnerable, with 16% having suicidal thoughts and roughly two-thirds enduring severe financial hardship, such as skipping meals.

The study also revealed disparities among different demographics. Young adults aged 18 to 24 were nearly twice as likely to be high-risk gamblers compared to older age groups. Additionally, 27% of First Nations Australians reported gambling-related harm, nearly double the national average.

Further links between gambling and broader social issues were identified, with nearly one in five households where partners gambled weekly experiencing intimate partner violence, compared to just 7% in households without gambling. People engaged in risky gambling behaviors also showed higher rates of cognitive and mental health problems.

Financial Impact and Rising Concerns

Australia’s annual gambling losses are currently estimated at around AUD 32 billion, the highest losses per capita worldwide. A previous analysis suggested that the total societal costs associated with gambling might reach up to AUD 14.1 billion. Electronic gaming machines, commonly known as pokies, are responsible for the bulk of these losses and significantly increase the severity of gambling problems.

Sports betting has grown in popularity, especially among males aged 18 to 35. This trend has been accompanied by aggressive marketing campaigns on television and social media platforms. Health advocates warn that gambling is becoming normalized in digital environments, urging for stronger advertising regulations. Current advertisements often portray poker machines in a glamorous light without any health warnings.

The Path Forward: Monitoring and Regulation

While the initial survey has provided important insights into Australia’s gambling landscape, researchers emphasize the need for an ongoing national monitoring program to track developments over time. Without consistent and accurate data, policymakers may struggle to adequately address the challenges posed by a dynamic and expanding gambling industry. Failure to act decisively could worsen Australia’s already serious gambling issues, making stronger regulatory measures crucial.