7th of July, 2024, by Liudmila Schirmer
Australia has earned the dubious distinction of having the highest average annual gambling losses in the world. This concerning fact is highlighted in a recent report by the Grattan Institute, an Australian public policy think tank, which has called for urgent reforms to address the significant harm caused by gambling.
The report, titled “A Better Bet: How Australia Should Prevent Gambling Harm,” presents a comprehensive analysis of the country’s gambling landscape and outlines a series of recommendations aimed at curbing the detrimental effects of gambling.
Losses lead to the Ban
According to the report, Australians lose an average of AU$1,635 (about US$1,099) per adult each year on gambling, a figure that far exceeds the losses reported in other nations, including the US (AU$809) and New Zealand (AU$584). The majority of these losses stem from pokies (slot machines) and sports betting, which have become deeply ingrained in Australian culture.
In light of these troubling statistics, the Grattan Institute has proposed a range of policy changes designed to reduce gambling-related harm. Among the key recommendations is a complete ban on gambling advertising and inducements, which the report argues contribute to the normalization of gambling and encourage risky behavior. The Institute also advocates for a gradual reduction in the number of pokies across states and the introduction of a mandatory pre-commitment system for online gambling.
The concept of a pre-commitment system involves setting strict daily, monthly, and annual loss limits, ensuring that individuals are unable to spend more than they can afford. This recommendation extends to pokies as well, where the Grattan Institute suggests implementing similar loss caps to protect vulnerable players.
Aruna Sathanapally, CEO of the Grattan Institute, voiced concern about the current state of gambling regulation in Australia, stating, “Australia has allowed the gambling industry too much freedom, resulting in significant harm to gamblers, their families, and the wider community. Gambling products are engineered to be addictive, leading to severe consequences like job loss, bankruptcy, relationship breakdowns, family violence, and even suicide. It is imperative that our politicians confront the powerful gambling lobby and take action to regulate the industry.”
Ban in Advertisement
The push for a ban on gambling advertisements is gaining traction in Australia. Recently, the Alliance for Gambling Reforms published an open letter, signed by several influential figures, calling for a nationwide ban on gambling ads. The letter highlights the increasing concerns over the prevalence of gambling promotions, particularly during sports broadcasts, which have been shown to disproportionately affect vulnerable individuals.
As the gambling industry continues to grow, these calls for reform signal a growing recognition of the need for stronger consumer protections. With the Grattan Institute’s report shedding light on the scale of the issue, it remains to be seen whether the Australian government will take decisive action to address gambling harm and protect its citizens from further damage. Have a look at the best Australian casinos.
