Gambling participation and harm on the rise in Australia, new study reveals

Pper adult gambling expenditure in Australia increased by more than 13% from $1,067.73 to $1,200. Gaming machines alone contribute the bulk of these losses at more than $12 billion. With Australians shouldering some of the highest per capita gambling losses globally, it’s crucial to understand the full scope of this issue.

Gaming and Wagering Commission of Western Australia 2020-21 Annual Report

• Taking action together is likely to be the most effective way to take on the vested interests.
• The state government is being urged to fast-track pokies carded play, used at Crown Casino, to all of Victoria’s poker machine venues.
• To help get your finances back in order after gambling issues, you can also speak to an ASIC-approved financial counsellor.
• Gambling revenue for sporting bodies is also significant although exact figures are hard to obtain.
• Showed how effective the gambling industry is in influencing Australian politics, punching well above its weight.

Problem gambling is a major public health concern in Australia and internationally (Blank et al., 2021), referring to a pattern of harmful gambling behaviours. Population prevalence estimates for past year problem gambling ranging from 0.1% to 5.8% globally (Calado & Griffiths, 2016) and from 0.7% to 1.0% in Australia (Delfabbro & King, 2021). Anyone unsatisfied with their loan for any reason, can return the total principal funds, including any payments made to third parties on your behalf, within a 48-hour cooling-off period and cancel their loan. If you have purchased a vehicle or other item with your loan, Jacaranda Finance does not require the seller to cancel the sale or release the funds back to you. Returning your purchase to the dealer, to the seller or to Jacaranda Finance doesn’t qualify as a loan cancellation.

Fines for organiser and others involved in an illegal gaming house

This includes counselling, help managing your finances and information about supporting others. Whether you are registered with BetStop – the National Self-Exclusion Register or still considering it, there are many other supports available if you want to take control of your gambling. You can also access information about other gambling supports that are available. The Victorian Government acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the Traditional Custodians of the land and acknowledges and pays respect to their Elders, past and present. If you work in the simpsonshotel.com gaming industry in Victoria, you may need a Gaming Industry Employee (GIE) licence. The independent regulator of Victoria’s gambling industry – ensuring integrity, safety and fairness for all.

This top 5 per cent spend 10 times as much as the bottom 80 per cent combined. In other countries, high-impact, high-loss ‘Australian-style’ machines are typically confined to casinos.11 But in Australia, they are pockmarked across our suburbs and towns, increasing the risk of harm. People who gamble, their families, and the broader community pay the price in their finances, health, and wellbeing.

It also highlights the limited legal recourse players had to deal with withheld winnings, frozen accounts of fraud, and shows the increased risk of money laundering and terrorism funding activity. The report estimated that one in five bets on sport in Australia is happening via offshore betting. The report says that the illegal sector now represents 36 per cent of Australia’s gambling market, with more than $2.7 billion in lost taxes and product fees expected over the next five years. Survey of South Australian adults’ (18+) attitudes, beliefs and behaviours regarding sports betting (PDF 1.5 MB)Browne, Bryden, Russell, Rockloff, Hing, Dittman & Lastella, October 2021.

Gambling is one of Australia’s most politically powerful industries, which makes gambling reform high risk politically. Casinos have been the subject of recent Royal Commissions and major inquiries.115 State governments should follow through on these reforms. Our average annual losses per adult ($1,635) far exceed the average in similar countries such as the US ($809) and New Zealand ($584) (Figure 1.1). Alliance for Gambling Reform chief advocate Tim Costello said Australia has failed to protect children and young people from gambling harm.