Recent figures from the Queensland Treasury reveal that Australian gambling losses have escalated to AU$32bn (US$21.57bn) for the 2022/23 fiscal year, a significant increase from the AU$25bn reported in 2018/19.
This surge translates to an average loss of AU$1,555 per Australian adult, up from AU$1,307 in the previous reporting period.
The Alliance for Gambling Reform's CEO, Martin Thomas, described these figures as alarming and indicative of widespread social harm, stating: “Australians lose more to gambling than any other nation in the world because we have a grossly inadequate regulatory regime in which the gambling industry has been allowed to operate virtually unchecked causing devastation to individuals, families and communities.
“These latest horrifying loss figures underscore the importance of the Federal Government adopting all 31 recommendations of the Murphy Report including a full ban on gambling advertising on broadcast media and online. It also proves the need for a national strategy on gambling and the formation of a national regulator.
“It is time for action, it is time for political leadership to protect Australians and especially to protect our children who are being groomed to gamble by a ruthless, profit-hungry industry.”
In light of these statistics, there are increasing calls for the Federal Government to implement all 31 recommendations from the Murphy Report, including a comprehensive ban on gambling advertising across broadcast and online platforms.
Public sentiment appears to align with reform efforts, with a recent Red Bridge poll indicating that 72% of Australians support a full ban on gambling advertisements.
