You’re meant to lose, more than you win

“The gambling industry is highly lucrative because it taps into people’s fantasy of winning big on products that, in actuality, are designed to ensure consumers lose more than they win overall,” Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) CEO Annette Kimmitt said today.

In an effort to level the playing field for consumers, this year’s VGCCC-led Gambling Harm Awareness Week (18–24 November) will:

• inform people who gamble about how different products work, industry tactics, and how they can protect themselves from gambling harm
• remind gambling providers of their legal and social responsibilities to minimise the risks of gambling harm to their customers.

Ms Kimmitt referred to recently released research[1] that shows rates of gambling harm in Victoria increased 13% between a study from 2018–19 and the next in the series in 2023, with more than a quarter of gambling participants aged 18 to 24 years experiencing harm.

The VGCCC has developed a digital campaign to raise awareness about the risks of different products associated with high levels of gambling harm in Victoria. These are: casino table games (36% of participants experience harm); sports betting (35%); poker machines (29%); and wagering i.e. horse, harness and greyhound racing (20%).

“The old adage that the house always wins is true of many forms of gambling,” Ms Kimmitt said, “with industry using tactics, such as losses disguised as wins, which are known to be effective at enticing and keeping customers spending even when they continue to lose.

“People who experience severe gambling issues are more likely than others to take up inducements like bonus bets, reward programs and early cash-outs, which are often promoted via direct marketing messages from gambling companies, and to take them up more frequently.

“But customers who understand these tactics, as well as how different products work, are in a better position to protect themselves from harm.”

Ms Kimmitt said examples of how to do this included taking regular breaks, setting and sticking to time and money limits, keeping track of losses, only gambling when sober, and seeking support or self-excluding.

She also emphasised industry’s obligation to protect customers from gambling harm by:

• monitoring customer wellbeing
• discouraging prolonged gambling sessions
• intervening early when visible signs of harm are observed
• following the relevant responsible service of gambling code of conduct
• not allowing intoxicated customers to gamble
• ensuring customers take regular breaks
• raising concerns about risky gambling behaviour
• recording interventions in a responsible gambling register.

“The gambling industry spent $53 million on advertising in Victoria in 2023, much of which seemed to imply that gambling is a game of skill rather than chance,” Ms Kimmitt said.

“This type of misinformation can result in people underestimating the risks, as well as their chances of winning, and lead to negative consequences, including serious harm.

“We expect providers to honour their social licence to operate by prioritising the wellbeing of customers through harm minimisation measures. Likewise, providers should be alert to, and  take care of, anyone showing signs of harm.”

In 2023, approximately 440,000 Victorians experienced at least one type of gambling harm, such as feelings of guilt and regret or other psychological distress, relationship problems, financial issues, physical or mental health concerns, or work/study difficulties.

For more information about Gambling Harm Awareness Week, including to download campaign assets, visit the website. And use #GHAW2024 or #KnowWhatsBehindtheGame on social media.

Anyone negatively affected by their own or someone else’s gambling is encouraged to contact the 24/7 gambling helpline on 1800 858 858 for free and confidential support or to visit gamblershelp.com.au.

Concerns about a gambling provider’s behaviour can be reported here.