It starts off as a bit of fun—a scratchie here, a flutter on the footy there, maybe a spin on the pokies after work. But for many, the cost runs far deeper than just a few lost dollars.
In one Australian territory, new findings have shed light on just how far-reaching the effects of gambling really are—not just for those placing the bets, but for the people around them and the community as a whole. And the numbers might be higher than you think.
A new and eye-opening survey has revealed that gambling harm is far more widespread in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) than many of us might have realised—affecting not just the gamblers themselves, but their families, friends and the wider community.
Released on Friday, 6 June, the 2024 ACT Gambling Survey is the most comprehensive study of its kind in the territory’s history.
With over 10,000 adults surveyed, the report offers a detailed snapshot of gambling habits across the ACT—and reveals that around one in six adults, or approximately 58,000 people, have experienced some form of harm linked to gambling.
That’s a sobering statistic, and it’s one that’s hard to ignore.
Gambling participation: Fewer players, but more problems
The survey, conducted by CQUniversity’s Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory and commissioned by the ACT Gambling and Racing Commission, found that just over half (53.2 per cent) of ACT residents had gambled in the past year.
While this is a decline from previous years, there’s a twist: those who do gamble are now more likely to experience problems.
Professor Matthew Rockloff, one of the report’s authors, explained, ‘Among those who gamble, 17.6 per cent are experiencing some level of problems—up from just 10 per cent in 2014.’
In other words, while fewer people are gambling, those who do are running into trouble more often.
When the survey drilled down into the specifics, the numbers became even more concerning.
Nearly one in ten adults (9.1 per cent) and a whopping 17.1 per cent of people who gamble reported experiencing harm due to their own gambling.
But the ripple effect doesn’t stop there: 5.7 per cent said they’d been harmed by someone else’s gambling, and another 5.7 per cent reported harm from gambling that happened more than a year ago.
All up, 15.8 per cent of ACT adults have been touched by gambling harm in some way.
Who’s most at risk?
The survey found that men are more likely to gamble than women, across almost every type of gambling.
But it’s young men who are especially at risk, particularly those who favour high-risk forms like pokies, casino table games and sports betting.
Associate Professor Alex Russell, another co-author, noted, ‘Young men are more likely to engage in high-risk forms of gambling—and they’re the most likely to experience harm from their own gambling.’
Interestingly, the survey also found that young women without tertiary education were the most likely to be harmed by someone else’s gambling.
This highlights how gambling harm isn’t just about personal losses—it can have a devastating impact on families and relationships.
Pokies: The biggest culprit
If you’ve ever suspected that pokies are a major source of trouble, you’re right.
The survey found that pokies account for about one-third of all gambling harm among people who gamble.
And while many people might only play occasionally, a small group is responsible for the lion’s share of losses: just 1.4 per cent of gamblers account for a staggering 45.5 per cent of total gambling losses and industry profits.
The rise of online gambling
Another trend that’s hard to ignore is the rapid rise of online gambling.
In 2014, just 8.4 per cent of ACT adults gambled online. By 2019, that figure had jumped to 20.9 per cent. Now, it’s at 26.9 per cent.
The convenience of gambling from your phone or computer means it’s easier than ever to place a bet—but it also means it’s easier to lose track of time and money.
Real-life consequences
Gambling harm isn’t just a theoretical concept.
The report’s authors, including Professors Matthew Browne and Nerilee Hing, emphasised that the impacts are very real: financial hardship, lower wellbeing and increased alcohol use are just some of the consequences faced by those affected.
What’s being done?
Giuseppe Mangeruca, Chief Executive Officer of the ACT Gambling and Racing Commission, stressed the importance of these regular surveys.
‘The ACT Gambling Survey, which the Commission undertakes every five years, is a vital tool that allows us to assess change in gambling prevalence and behaviours over time, enabling longer-term gambling trends to become clear,’ he said.
The findings will help the Commission refine its harm prevention and support strategies, as well as its communications and regulatory approaches, to better protect Canberrans as the gambling landscape continues to change.
Community attitudes: Time for fewer pokies?
The survey didn’t just look at behaviours—it also explored public attitudes.
Around two-thirds of ACT adults want to see fewer pokies in the community, and nearly half support a substantial reduction.
It seems the community is ready for change.
Where to get help
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, you’re not alone—and help is available.
The ACT Gambling and Racing Commission offers a range of support services, and you can find more information at gamblingandracing.act.gov.au.
Let’s talk about it
We know that gambling can be a sensitive topic, but it’s one that affects many in our community—sometimes in ways that aren’t always obvious.
What are your thoughts on these recent findings? Do you believe current harm minimisation efforts are enough, or is there more that can be done? Have you or someone you know experienced the effects of gambling harm, either directly or indirectly? We welcome your perspectives or experiences—feel free to join the discussion in the comments below.
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