Much like driving a car, gambling can be a risky activity, and it’s important to be prepared, even if you believe you’re not at risk, say experts from Flinders University. This conclusion comes after a comprehensive review of global research, which reveals that warnings and tools aimed at minimizing gambling harm are often ignored by gamblers. Many people mistakenly believe these messages are only relevant to those with serious gambling problems.
The gambling landscape of Australia
Australia has the highest per capita gambling rate in the world, with growing calls for stricter regulations on gambling advertising. According to Dr. Ben Riley, a psychological therapy researcher at Flinders University and lead author of a new study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, the need for more effective gambling controls is more pressing than ever.
“No one is immune to the risks of gambling, so it’s crucial to take precautions early,” says Dr. Riley, who also works with the State Gambling Therapy Service in South Australia. He likens the situation to driving: just as motorists are required to wear seatbelts to reduce risk, even casual gamblers should take advantage of available preventive measures.
“Seatbelts protect all drivers, regardless of their individual risk profile, because driving carries inherent risks,” Dr. Riley explains. “Similarly, gambling harm-minimization tools should be promoted for use by all gamblers, not just those with existing problems—just like seatbelts are mandatory for all drivers.”
In Australia, a country with a population of just 27 million, gambling losses are estimated at $25 billion annually. Messages such as “Chances are you’re about to lose,” “Think. Is this a bet you really want to place?,” and “What are you prepared to lose today? Set a deposit limit” are intended to guide consumers toward helpful advice and tools.
Unfortunately, Dr. Riley notes that people who gamble only occasionally often don’t consider themselves at risk and therefore disregard these consumer protection notices. These include setting wagering limits, taking breaks, or prioritizing essential purchases before gambling. “Many of these tools and messages fail to make a long-term impact, as there is little evidence to suggest they effectively reduce gambling behavior,” he says.
Details of the research
The review, which assessed 55 peer-reviewed articles, evaluated the effectiveness of various harm-minimization tools. These included safe-gambling messaging, generic pop-up warnings, voluntary and involuntary exclusion programs, and other early intervention and prevention strategies.
The researchers found that inconsistencies in the promotion and implementation of harm-minimization tools by gambling operators are likely due to the self-regulatory nature of the industry’s codes of conduct. Similar concerns have been raised by alcohol experts regarding the effectiveness of self-regulation and responsible drinking messages from the alcohol industry.
Given the scale of gambling losses in Australia—exceeding $24 billion even during the COVID-19 pandemic when many gambling venues were closed—there is mounting pressure for more stringent regulations. An alliance of prominent Australians has called for a complete ban on gambling advertisements in response to the country’s staggering gambling losses.
The researchers stress the need for a multidisciplinary approach to enhance the promotion and adoption of harm-minimization tools. They also call for further research into new therapies and interventions to better protect the public from the risks associated with gambling.
