the numbers don't lie
Gambling is part of everyday life for millions of Australians. The numbers show just how widespread it is — and how many people experience harm.
65%
of Australian adults gambled at least once in 2024.
Almost one in three gambled at least monthly.
15%
of Australian adults experienced gambling related harm in 2024.
That's an estimated 3.1 million people.
$86 million
Australians lost an average of more than $86m to gambling everyday in 2022-23.
That's $31.5 billion in net gambling losses in one year.
over 1 million
gambling ads aired on free-to-air TV and metropolitan radio across Australia between May 2022 and April 2023
That's more than 2,700 gambling ads every day.
$238.6 million
estimated gambling advertising spend across free-to-air TV, metropolitan radio and online channels in Australia between May 2022 and April 2023.
34%
of people who bet on sports or racing reported that wagering advertising promoted them to increase the amount they bet.
28% said advertising promoted them to place bets on impulse.
the losses don't always show up on the bank statement.
Gambling harm can affect far more than money.
it can show up as stress, secrecy, relationship tension, lost sleep, debt, shame, and less time or money for the people and things that matter.
Sometimes the people closest to you have no idea.
71.8%
of regular pokies gamblers in the study reported experiencing at least one gambling related harm in the previous 12 months.
The harms reported included reduced spending money, reduced savings, regret, shame, distress and less time with loved ones.
so where's your line?
Gambling doesn't look the same for everyone.
The important thing is recognising when entertainment starts becoming something more.
Recognise the line.