Australians are known to lose more money to gambling per capita than any other nation, with annual losses estimated at around AU$32 billion on legal gambling products. Despite this, efforts to introduce stricter regulations remain slow and contentious, even as political pressure mounts for tougher laws. The 2023 federal inquiry into online gambling, titled “You Win Some, You Lose More,” has led to bipartisan support for its proposed reforms. These include a phased ban on online gambling advertising, increased consumer protections, a new national regulatory body, and tighter controls on gambling inducements. However, translating these recommendations into enforceable laws has proven challenging.
Jamie Nettleton, a partner specializing in gaming and gambling law at Addisons, noted the complexities involved in implementing these measures. “There’s a realization of how difficult it is to make some of the implementations that work in law, work in practice,” he said. Measures like cashless gaming or universal pre-commitment are straightforward on paper but pose significant challenges in practical application, especially across Australia’s fragmented state systems. Nettleton emphasized that while the idea of reform is appealing, the execution is fraught with complexities and high costs.
Public concern in Australia centers on two main issues: the harm caused by gambling to individuals and families, and the integrity risks that come with the rapid expansion of sports betting. In New South Wales (NSW), which holds the largest market for poker machines, these concerns have prompted a more robust response. A performance audit by the NSW Auditor-General in June highlighted that more than half of Australia’s gaming machines are located in the state and criticized regulators for not effectively supporting harm minimization outcomes. The audit pointed out that late-night and early-morning gambling posed a significant risk, with about 70% of those gambling between 4am and 10am classified as high-risk or moderate-risk gamblers. Despite this, many clubs and pubs in NSW hold exemptions allowing them to operate machines around the clock.
In response, on December 1, NSW Gaming Minister David Harris announced that over 670 venues with existing approvals would have to cease operating their machines between 4am and 10am by late March, unless they could successfully argue for an exemption. This move is a direct response to the audit and highlights both the challenges and the necessity of enforcing stricter regulations. However, Nettleton pointed out that such shutdown policies are just one aspect of broader reforms that are progressing slowly. “The NSW government have been trying to put in protections, such as cashless mechanisms, that are much more difficult to put into practice in terms of the investment required than they seem in theory,” he explained.
Public health agencies have increasingly highlighted the extensive harm caused by gambling. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare considers gambling a major public policy issue affecting mental health, financial stability, and family relationships. According to the Australian Gambling Research Centre, the percentage of adults who gambled in the past year has risen from 57% in 2019 to 65% in 2024, with pokies, lotteries, racing, and sports betting being the most common forms of gambling.
Advocates for reform argue that regulations have not kept pace with the growing gambling problem. The Alliance for Gambling Reform has pushed for the full implementation of the 31 recommendations from the 2023 parliamentary inquiry. These include a three-year phase-out of online gambling advertising, a ban on inducements, a levy on gambling operators, and the establishment of a federal regulatory body.
While the push for reform continues, the gambling industry and some state governments have expressed concerns that stringent regulations could drive consumers towards unlicensed offshore sites or domestic operators in jurisdictions with looser regulations. The Northern Territory, known for licensing many online bookmakers, has come under scrutiny, with critics labeling it a “regulatory haven” that permits companies to operate nationwide with minimal oversight. Nettleton pointed out that enforcing Australian laws on domestic operators could lead to unintended consequences. “You’d be causing those people subject to Australian law to comply with Australian law, but those operators outside of Australian law would have no effective restrictions,” he said, highlighting a significant enforcement challenge.
Despite these challenges, some progress has been made. The national self-exclusion register, BetStop, is now operational, and all measures in the National Consumer Protection Framework for Online Wagering have been implemented. These include mandatory identity checks before betting and standardized activity statements. However, awareness and use of these tools remain limited, with researchers noting that only a minority of at-risk gamblers engage in formal self-exclusion. Additionally, advertising continues to normalize frequent betting, particularly among younger men.
On the integrity front, Sport Integrity Australia has established a task force that includes law enforcement agencies, regulators, betting operators, and national sporting bodies. The task force focuses on prevention and disruption strategies, especially in light of major upcoming events like the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup and the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
While some progress has been made, the broader reform agenda remains incomplete. Members of Parliament from both major parties support tighter advertising rules and stronger consumer protections, but disagreements over the specifics and timing persist among operators, broadcasters, sporting codes, and state treasuries that rely heavily on gambling taxes. As Nettleton observed, governments are faced with the difficult task of addressing societal concerns while managing a profitable and deeply entrenched industry. This tension is expected to shape Australia’s gambling debate for years to come.
Erik Agary is a seasoned writer at True Games Reviews, specializing in gaming, casino games, and interactive entertainment. With a passion for all things digital, Erik dives deep into the latest trends and developments in the gaming world, offering insightful reviews and detailed analysis. His expertise spans across multiple gaming platforms, ensuring comprehensive coverage that resonates with both novice and experienced gamers alike.
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