Learn about the effects of gambling on our community, and find resources and assistance for dealing with with gambling related harm.
Gambling in Victoria
View the gaming expenditure by venue at the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation website.
Effects of gambling
Young people
- An average of 374 gambling ads are broadcast on free-to-air TV daily, with children under 12 the most exposed.
- One in five adults who experience serious harm from gambling began before they turned 18.
- Of Victorians aged 12 to17, 73 per cent reported seeing gambling ads on TV in the past 30 days.
- People aged 18 to 24 are likelier to develop a gambling problem.
Health and wellbeing
- There are 1 in 5 adults who gamble online.
- Self-reported satisfaction with life drops as high-risk gambling behaviour increases.
- Of the people who engage in high-risk gambling, 39 per cent are highly distressed, compared to 5 per cent of Victoria's general population.
- High-risk gambling often occurs with excessive alcohol consumption and daily smoking.
- While high-risk gambling can produce some of the most visible impacts in our community, over 85 per cent of gambling-related harm is experienced by low and moderate-risk gamblers.
Relationships
- 80 per cent of people harmed by someone else’s gambling report feeling distressed about the other person’s gambling.
- 64.3 per cent of people say they experience increased tension in their relationship with the person who gambles.
- 63.3 per cent of people feel angry at the person for not controlling their gambling.
Finances
The average loss per Victorian Adult from 2017 to 2018 is:
- $539 on Pokies
- $74 on sports betting
- $545 on all casino gambling
- $99 on lotteries
- $90 race betting
Students
A study on Victorian secondary school students and the prevalence of gambling found that:
- 18 per cent of students said someone in their household had gambled in the past.
- 35 per cent of students knew someone who gambled.
- 35 per cent of students had visited a gambling venue in the past month.
- 73 per cent of students had seen gambling ads on TV in the last month.
Pokies across Victoria
The Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation publishes statistics about pokies in local councils in Victoria.
Visit the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation website to compare data between councils, including the number of pokies and amount spent per day.
Seeking help
Resources for adults experiencing gambling-related harm.
Gambling help
Phone Gambler's Help (Victorian Government Initiative) at 1800 858 858 for their 24-hour phone counselling service.
Gambling Help Online provides free online counselling services by trained staff, including live counselling and email support. Their website also has self-help tools and information on gambling.
Star Health
The Gambler's Help Southern Program is now available at Star Health Sites in St Kilda, South Melbourne and Prahran. The program offers a range of confidential, free services to prevent or reduce the negative impacts of gambling on individuals, families and the community. Free advice for family and friends is also available on the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation website.
Phone 03 9575 5353 or email ghs.intake@connecthealth.org.au
Financial help
Financial Counselling Australia
Financial Counselling is a free, community-based counselling service in the Southern region of Victoria and is sponsored by the Department of Justice.
Phone 0402 923 750 or visit the Financial Counselling Australia website.
National Debt Helpline
Phone their helpline at 1800 007 007 (Monday to Friday, 9:30 am to 4:30 pm) or visit the National Debt Helpline website.
Mental health help
Beyond Blue
Beyond Blue is a national, independent, not-for-profit organisation with information about gambling and depression.
Phone 1300 224 636 or visit the Beyond Blue website.
Life Line
Life Line offers 24/7 crisis support. Phone 13 11 14 for help and support or visit the Life Line website. You can also text them at 0477 131 114 from 12 midday to 2 am.
Help for young people
Kids Helpline
Kids Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7 online and phone counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25. Phone 1800 551 800 or email counsellor@kidshelpline.com.au anytime and for any reason.
Games and gambling
Information for parents and guardians
Games with gambling components are common. However, these components may not appear like gambling at first glance.
They can include:
- social casino games
- virtual goods like weapons or character cosmetic upgrades, sometimes called 'skins'
- loot boxes.
These game purchases will generally fall under the main three types of in-app purchases:
- subscriptions
- non-consumable purchases
- consumable purchases.
For more information on popular games, game genres and pricing structures, read these fact sheets from the Victorian Responsible Gaming Foundation:
If you're not sure if a game has simulated gambling, you can find all the latest classifications on the Australian Classification website.
Like anything, gaming can have positive and negative outcomes for young people. An important part of looking after your family’s health and wellbeing is understanding the signs of how much is too much.
For helpful information on why young people game and how to set boundaries to develop a healthy online life, read these Victorian Responsible Gaming Foundation resources: