If you thought a cheeky flutter on the pokies or a punt on the footy was harmless fun, consider sitting down for this one. New research has revealed that the actual cost of gambling has skyrocketed, doubling in just eight years to a jaw-dropping $14.1 billion.
You read that right: billion, with a ‘B’! Let’s examine what this means and why experts are calling for urgent action to tackle what is fast becoming a crisis for families and communities.
The report, titled Social Costs of Gambling to Victoria 2023, was commissioned by the Victorian government to update its previous findings from 2014-2015.
It’s not just about the money lost at the pokies or on the horses—this figure includes both the visible and hidden costs that ripple through society.
Here’s how the $14.1 billion breaks down:
- $5.2 billion in direct financial impacts, such as bankruptcies and lost savings.
- $3.3 billion in emotional and psychological harm, including depression and suicide.
- $2.5 billion in relationship and family costs—think divorce, family violence, and the tragic impacts of suicide.
- $1.5 billion in lost productivity at work or study.
- $1.3 billion in costs to Victorian and local governments, from health services to social support.
- $289.4 million in crime-related expenses, including police, courts, and corrections.
- $3.2 million in costs to non-profit organisations.
- $1.5 million in costs to the federal government.
It’s a sobering list, and it shows that the impact of gambling goes far beyond the individual. Families are torn apart, workplaces suffer, and the whole community pays the price.
The biggest culprit
Despite only one in ten Victorians playing the pokies, electronic gaming machines are responsible for a staggering $6.7 billion in costs, more than every other regulated gambling product combined.
Even more alarming, 67 per cent of pokie users are experiencing the most severe harms, and 95 per cent are subject to some level of harm.
It’s no wonder that Martin Thomas, chief executive officer of the Alliance for Gambling Reform, is calling for urgent reforms.
‘Who’s really winning?’ he asked, pointing out that while the community loses $14.1 billion, the gambling industry rakes in $7.2 billion in revenue, and the state pockets $2.28 billion in tax.
The report notes that, aside from inflation, the main reason for the increase is that people at risk of harm are spending more. In other words, those who can least afford it are losing the most.
This isn’t just a Victorian problem, either. Australians are the world’s biggest gambling losers per capita, dropping more than $31 billion a year.
It’s not because we love a bet more than anyone else—it’s because our regulations and protections are among the weakest in the world.
What’s being done—and is it enough?
In July 2023, then-Premier Daniel Andrews announced ‘landmark reforms’ to tackle gambling harm.
However, according to Thomas, the current government has been dragging its feet, with many reforms delayed by up to a year and some even being reconsidered.
One of the most promising solutions—mandatory carded play, which tracks gambling activity and can help limit losses—has already been rolled out at Crown Melbourne with great success.
Yet, trials for this system in pubs and clubs have been pushed back, and there’s talk of introducing facial recognition technology instead—a move critics say is more about protecting industry profits than people.
Even government backbenchers are questioning the slow pace of change, especially as the cost-of-living crisis bites and more families feel the pinch.
The Alliance for Gambling Reform and other advocates urge the government to face industry pressure and put people first.
They want to see:
- Mandatory carded play in all venues, not just casinos.
- Stronger limits on losses and time spent gambling.
- Better support for those affected by gambling harm.
- More transparency about where gambling revenue goes and who benefits.
It’s easy to think of gambling as a personal choice, but the reality is that its impacts are felt far and wide. Whether it’s a family member struggling with addiction, a local business losing productivity, or increased pressure on health and social services, we all pay the price.
Have you or someone you know been affected by gambling? Do you think the government is doing enough to protect Victorians? What changes would you like to see?
Share your thoughts in the comments below. Let’s start the conversation and work together to create a safer, healthier community.
And if you or someone you know needs help, remember: you’re not alone. Reach out to support services like Gambler’s Help on 1800 858 858 for free, confidential advice.
Also read: Police nab man in $2 million online gambling scam
