Impacts of gambling
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare states Australians lose approximately $25 billion on legal forms of gambling each year.
Harm from gambling can include:
- losing money and financial problems
- health issues (emotional, psychological and physical)
- strain on relationships
- problems with work or study
- cultural problems
- criminal activity.
All forms of gambling, such as poker machines, casinos, lotteries and online gambling are licensed and regulated by state and territory regulators.
Online gambling
Online gambling is the fastest growing gambling segment. Digital technology means people can gamble anywhere, and at any time.
In 2022, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) found more than one in 10 Australians (11%) had gambled online in the previous 6 months. This is an increase from 8% in 2020.
The Australian Government and all state and territory governments have introduced laws to protect people who gamble online.