This report examines the costs associated with problem gambling and gambling harm in Victoria Australia in 2022-23. The researchers estimated both the tangible and intangiable costs of gambling harm in financial terms associated with all types of gambling, including gambling with unlicenced operators. Data comes from a 2023 Victorian population study on gambling and health, in addition to several other supplementary sources. The total cost of gambling to Victoria in 2022-23 was estimated to be $14.1 billion. This is compared to a previous study in 2014-15, which found a total cost of $7 billion (approximately $10.5 billion after adjusting for inflation and population growth).
Selected findings include:
- Losses were concentrated among people who gambled on electronic gambling machines and engaged in betting, and people who experienced the most severe levels of harm.
- Costs to health and well-being were spread more among those experiencing less severe levels of harm.
- Affected others (e.g., family members) experienced a significant proportion of the costs associated with gambling harm.
- Changes to electronic gambling machines could reduce the cost of gambling in Victoria.
