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A new government-backed study has revealed that gambling is hurting Victoria more than ever before. The total harm caused by gambling now costs society around $9.2 billion USD every year, which is double what earlier reports estimated.
This updated number shows just how serious the problem has become not just for gamblers, but for their families, workplaces, and entire communities.
Pokies and Sports Betting Are the Biggest Problem
The study was carried out by Central Queensland University and funded by the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation. The researchers found that electronic gaming machines (pokies) and sports betting apps are causing 80% of all gambling losses in the state.
These types of gambling are the most common and easiest to access. This makes it easier for people to start gambling regularly and in many cases, develop a serious addiction.
The researchers behind this study include:
- Matthew Browne
- Catherine Tulloch
- Vijay Rawat
- Georgia Dellosa
- Alex M. T. Russell
- Nerilee Hing
- Matthew Rockloff
- Chris Doran
They discovered that electronic gaming machines were the top contributor to gambling problems when measured through the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) a widely used tool for tracking gambling harm.
Gambling Harm Reaches Beyond the Gambler
What makes this study even more powerful is that it looked beyond just the person gambling. The $9.2 billion loss includes the wider social damage gambling causes, such as:
- Relationship breakdowns
- Mental health issues
- Job loss or poor work performance
- Financial hardship for families
- Increased pressure on community services
This means gambling doesn’t just affect those who place the bets it also hurts those around them, including friends, family, coworkers, and even employers.
Why Are the Numbers So Much Higher?
Earlier research estimated the cost of gambling-related harm in Victoria to be around $4.6 billion USD. The new report doubles that figure, which raises an important question has the problem gotten worse, or are we just now seeing the full picture?
Experts say the new report uses a more detailed approach. Instead of only looking at direct gambling losses, it also includes hidden costs, such as emotional stress, poor health, and impacts on families and communities.
This makes the new estimate more complete, showing the true cost of gambling harm to society.
What Needs to Happen Next?
This study sends a clear message to the government and community leaders: more action is needed to protect people from gambling harm.
Here are a few areas where improvements could help:
- Stronger regulations on electronic gaming machines
- Better support systems for people struggling with gambling addiction
- More public awareness campaigns about the risks
- Tighter control on advertising, especially during sports events
- More research into how digital gambling is changing user behavior
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