Harm from gambling is a serious public health issue that is growing rapidly and directly impacting millions of people, as well as placing a burden on the economy. Australians lose the most to gambling per capita, at around double the average of other Western Countries. The gambling industry has expertly crafted a system which is not only very profitable but also makes significant direct contributions to politicians and political parties that form our governments. Taxes derived from gambling are often placed in state hospital, mental health and charities funds which makes it difficult for governments to justify regulatory changes that would reduce tax revenue.
This analysis of online gambling laws across the world finds that Australia has one of the weakest regulatory regimes on the planet as many countries across Europe and Asia move to reduce gambling harm.
Australia’s status as an international laggard on regulating online gambling is allowing the gambling industry to ‘groom’ young people through the gamification of gambling and even offering free, unrestricted apps that mimic the look and sound of poker machines.
This report expands the following recommendations to substantially reduce harm that is currently going unchecked due to regulatory failure and largesse.
Key recommendations:
- Reduce exposure to online gambling harm in Australia
- Establish national regulation to address online gambling harm
- Reduce unintended losses online
- Increase public awareness of gambling and its harms and decrease stigma
- Provide increased education and training on gambling harm
- Improve treatment for people experiencing gambling harm
- Increase research and support for best practice approaches to gambling harm
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