This summary of the Reducing Gambling‑Related Harm Scoping Study provides an overview of the current gambling landscape in WA, including initiatives underway to address gambling‑related harm and areas where further action is needed. It is intended as a brief snapshot of the full report, which is available on the WACOSS website.
Gambling‑Related Harm
Gambling‑related harm refers to the negative consequences of gambling products on both individuals and those around them (who may or may not use gambling products). Gambling harm can be experienced on a spectrum, ranging from minor negative experiences to crises, and is not always proportionate to the level of gambling participation.
Gambling harm can include:
• relationship harm (e.g. conflict within relationships, neglect of responsibilities)
• health harm (e.g. stress, depression, reduced sleep)
• emotional/psychological harm (e.g. feelings of regret, worthlessness, failure)
• financial harm (e.g. credit card debt, reduced spending on essentials)
• work/study harm (e.g. reduced performance due to tiredness, absenteeism)
The Hidden Costs of Gambling in WA
There is a prevailing belief that because of the limits around Electronic Gaming Machines (EGMs), gambling‑related harm is not an issue in WA; this is not the case. Successive studies have found WA to have a high prevalence of gambling. Data from the National Gambling Prevalence Study Pilot 2024 suggests a general increase in national gambling participation (65% of Australian adults in 2024), with Queensland having the highest current prevalence (70.2%) followed closely by WA (69.6%).
Online gambling is a significant and growing cause for concern in WA, as it is elsewhere. The 2022–2023 Commonwealth parliamentary inquiry and subsequent report into online gambling and its impacts (the Murphy report) found that the scale of online gambling harm in Australia is excessive and is enabled by a weak and fragmented regulatory system. Inconsistencies across states and territories have created significant gaps, allowing online gambling companies to base themselves in the weakest regulatory environment. In Australia’s case, this has meant that most major operators are licensed in the Northern Territory, undermining the ability of other states to enforce stronger consumer protections or restrict harmful products and practices. Despite the inquiry’s substantial findings and comprehensive recommendations for reform, the Australian Government has not yet implemented the proposed measures.
Gambling is creating significant levels of concern throughout the community, including in the community services and public health sectors. The demand for these sectors’ services is increasing, in part due to the impacts of gambling on both individuals and the network of people seeking support from the consequences of an individual’s gambling.