A new study from the Center for Gambling Research at the Australian national University finds that 1.4 million Australians are suffering harm for problem gambling.
The figure is substantially more than previous estimates of about 200,000 Aussies suffering from problem gambling or about one percent of the country’s population.
The study found that about 7.5 percent of Australians are experiencing low, moderate or high levels of gambling harm. It found this group had been experiencing far worse financial, health and social circumstances for an extended time period—at least 15 years.
Director of the CGR Dr. Marisa Fogarty, who carried out the research, said gamblers identified in the report have been neglected by the system and need substantial support.
“Fifteen years is a long time for anyone to be experiencing depression, anxiety, separation or not being able to pay bills, but along with gambling, these people are suffering a range of hardships that need addressing,” she said in the study. “On Melbourne Cup day and other big one-off sporting events, it’s seen as socially acceptable to have a bet, but we should remember for these gamblers with long-term hardships, a one-off bet might further escalate their problems. That’s why our community should be discussing how we glorify sporting days and think about the sort of messages we want to send to young people watching on.”
The study identified that those at high-risk of gambling harm were also significantly more likely to suffer financial hardships and suffer other social problems such losing their jobs or separating from spouses.
“What we want to come out of this research now we see the range of problems faced by the high-risk group is to weave gambling interventions into other help services they may access,” the study said. “This is especially important because we know harm from gambling extends to family members and the community as well. I also can’t stress enough the importance of early intervention and prevention programs for the hundreds of thousands of Australians already experiencing low or moderate levels of gambling harm. This may help prevent them from advancing into higher risk categories.”
In another story, plans for an Australia-wide online gambling self-exclusion program for problem gamblers have reportedly been delayed as the jurisdiction of Queensland has yet to approve a series of proposed wagering reforms.
Most state and territory governments have agreed to introduce new standards for the online gambling industry to help problem-gamblers and toughen consumer protections. That includes the self-exclusion program.
Queensland officials have said they hope to finalize the state’s gambling provisions by the end of this year.
