Whether you’re watching TV, attending a footy game, or dining at your local pub, gambling is nearly inescapable. Although the rise of gambling is not unique to Australia, it has become deeply embedded in Australian culture.
For some, gambling is a source of entertainment, but for others, it can lead to significant harm.
Gambling and mental illness
Research consistently shows that gambling problems often occur alongside other mental illnesses and substance use disorders. There are particularly strong links between gambling disorder and nicotine dependence, alcohol use disorders, and mood disorders like depression, and anxiety.
In many cases, the harms associated with gambling lead to poor mental health. Conversely, people experiencing mental illness are at greater risk of developing gambling problems.
Gambling harms exist on a spectrum. While much focus has been on those with a gambling disorder, where recurring gambling leads to significant distress and impairment, it’s crucial to also consider those experiencing gambling-related harms without a diagnosable disorder. These harms can include relationship problems, financial debts, and negative impacts on work or study, all contributing to poor mental health.
Gambling and suicide
Feelings of stress and isolation, possibly compounded by mental illness, may cause some people with gambling problems to feel there’s no way out. Research indicates that among people receiving treatment for problem gambling, 22% to 81% have considered suicide, and 7% to 30% have attempted it.
In Australia, 44% of veterans experiencing gambling problems have thought about suicide, while almost 20% have made a suicide plan or attempt. A Victorian investigation into gambling-related suicides found that at least 4% of all suicides in Victoria from 2009 to 2016 were gambling-related, amounting to around 200 suicides.
Gambling-related suicides were more likely to affect males (83%) compared to the total suicide deaths in Victoria over the same period (75%) and were significantly more likely to occur among the most disadvantaged. These statistics likely underestimate the true number of gambling-related suicides due to the lack of systematic recording of gambling as a contributing factor in suicide deaths.
The inherent risks of gambling
Electronic gaming machines, or “pokies,” are strongly associated with harmful gambling. Evidence shows that pokies are responsible for more than half of all gambling problems in Australia. Casino table games are equally risky, but they contribute less to problem gambling in the general population due to fewer people playing them.
While gambling itself carries a degree of risk, individual vulnerabilities can increase the risk of harm. Men, people with mental illness, single or divorced individuals, and those with lower income and education levels are at higher risk of gambling problems.
Strategies for prevention
Angela Rintoul, the lead author of the Victorian research, argues that gambling-related suicides are preventable. Health professionals could routinely ask simple questions like, “In the past 12 months, have you ever felt that you had a problem with gambling?” or “Has anyone commented that you might have a problem with gambling?”
Rintoul also suggests strategies for government intervention, such as a complete ban on gambling advertising and a universal account registration system to allow people to set limits on their gambling losses. In June 2023, a cross-party committee presented a report with 31 recommendations to reduce the harms of online gambling in Australia, including a comprehensive ban on online gambling advertising. However, the government has yet to respond to the report.
Advice for people who gamble
For those who choose to gamble, it’s important to be aware of the risks. Understand how gambling and poker machines are designed to make money for venue owners, not to provide wins for players.
If you choose to gamble, set limits on the amount of money you’re willing to lose or the time you will spend gambling. The Lower Risk Gambling Guidelines for Australians suggest the following recommendations:
- Gamble no more than 2% of your take-home pay;
- Gamble no more than once a week;
- Participate in no more than two different types of gambling.
If you notice an increasing preoccupation with gambling or it starts causing problems in your life, seeking help early is crucial. Speak to your GP for support or visit Gambling Help Online.
