The VGCCC has released its Annual Plan for 2025–26, setting a bold agenda to protect Victorians from gambling harm, strengthen industry accountability and build public trust. The biggest betting event in Australia without question is the Melbourne Cup in horse racing, dubbed ‘the race that stops a nation’. As the crown jewel of Melbourne’s Spring Racing Carnival, the Melbourne Cup routinely attracts the best stayers from around the globe to compete across two miles. It’s easy to think about gambling as being all about the possibility of winning money. In fact, some people gamble to alleviate stress; others to take their minds off their problems or socialize with friends. When people gamble, it triggers feelings of euphoria, linked to the brain’s reward system.
By the beginning of the 21st century, approximately four out of five people in Western nations gambled at least occasionally. The swelling number of gamblers in the 20th century highlighted the personal and social problem of pathological gambling, in which individuals are unable to control or limit their gambling. The rise of mobile gaming is causing a revolution in the online casino industry.
Often, gambling products are designed to make you feel like you are winning, even when you are not. People with a gambling addiction continue to gamble, even if it takes up a lot of their time or they are losing a lot of money. Multisectoral action to reduce gambling harm is required to reduce the potential for gambling to impede progress on SDGs. WHO acknowledges the need for Member States to closely monitor and effectively regulate gambling operations, products and activities. This should include reducing stigma and shame related to gambling, ending advertising and promotion, and a focus on other upstream efforts to prevent and reduce gambling harm. Unlicensed providers regularly offer unregulated gambling products, and there is an urgent need for the regulation of online gambling.
Gambling industry groups typically strongly oppose high-impact regulations and other measures that affect their commercial interests. Corporate political activity is widespread and effective in protecting the interests of these businesses. The research sector has also been influenced by industry using funding and other support. Limiting the capacity of vested interests to influence the research agenda and public policies are among the key public health objectives.
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It has been normalized through new commercial associations with sport and cultural activities that are now heavily promoted. Around 5.5% of women and 11.9% of men globally experience some level of harm from gambling (3). A Swedish study estimated that those with a gambling disorder were 15 times more likely to die by suicide than the general population (4).
Based on recent prevalence surveys in Australia, these gamblers spend about 60 times as much as people who do not experience problems. So while a smaller proportion of people are gambling, those who do gamble are doing so more frequently, and spend more money – a phenomenon we have described as the “intensification” of the industry. Players should choose regulated websites and educate themselves about gambling support services to foster responsible gambling behavior.
Gambling prevalence studies provide a snapshot of gambling behaviour, problems and harm in our communities. The Commission has released a guide to support safer, more inclusive conversations about gambling and related harms. Check out our top-rated and highly recommended Australian Gambling Sites – you can head straight there by clicking ‘bet now’ or read a full review with data comparison, expert opinion and product breakdown. A fellowship of men and women who share their experience strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others recover from a gambling problem. The Responsible Gambling Council (RGC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting safer gambling by influencing positive change and advancing responsible gambling standards in Canada and around the world.
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