Australia’s gambling industry saw a staggering 166% increase in online gambling turnover for the 2022-23 fiscal year, reaching AU$244.3 billion (£124.9 billion/€148.0 billion/US$164.3 billion). This sharp rise underscores a disturbing trend that demands urgent action, particularly in the realm of gambling advertising.

Alarming Increase in Online Gambling

The Queensland Treasury’s latest report reveals that online gambling turnover surged by 165.7% to AU$75.4 billion, accounting for 31% of the nation’s total gambling activity. This increase equates to AU$397.5 per capita, highlighting a growing dependency on online platforms.

The dramatic growth is evident across various gambling sectors. Gaming machines, the most popular form of gambling in Australia, generated AU$191.2 billion, a 20.9% increase from the previous year. Land-based casinos saw an even more significant rise, with a 22.6% increase to AU$20.0 billion. Meanwhile, other forms of gambling like keno and minor gaming also experienced notable gains.

The Financial Impact

The report also indicates a rise in gross gambling profit to AU$32.0 billion, an increase of 13.8%. Online gaming profits alone soared by 146.3% to AU$44.4 million. Despite these numbers, the most concerning aspect is the growth in gambling expenditure, driven largely by aggressive advertising and marketing strategies.

A Call for Action

Martin Thomas, CEO of the Australia Alliance for Gambling Reform, has voiced significant concerns about these figures. He attributes the soaring spending to a “grossly inadequate regulatory regime” and emphasizes the urgent need for a comprehensive ban on all forms of gambling advertising.

Thomas argues that the relentless promotion of gambling through broadcast media and online channels is exacerbating the problem, leading to increased spending and higher losses for players. He insists that the federal government must implement all 31 recommendations of the Murphy Report, which includes a total ban on gambling advertising, to protect consumers and address the growing crisis.

The Case for a Gambling Advertising Ban

The latest data not only highlights the rapid expansion of gambling turnover but also the detrimental effects of advertising on consumer behavior. As gambling ads become more pervasive, they fuel a cycle of excessive spending and addiction. A complete ban on gambling advertising is essential to mitigate these issues and safeguard players from the harmful impacts of gambling promotion.

The Australian gambling industry’s remarkable growth should be a wake-up call for policymakers to prioritize the implementation of strict advertising regulations. Without decisive action, the increase in gambling turnover will continue to come at a significant cost to players, reinforcing the urgent need for reform and a national strategy to address the gambling crisis.