More than 3.3 million Australian adults are experiencing harm linked to their own gambling or the gambling behaviour of someone close to them, according to new Roy Morgan research.
The Roy Morgan Gambling Harm Index estimates that 15.1% of the adult population, equivalent to 3.32 million people, experienced at least one financial, emotional, psychological or social consequence as of March 2026.
Approximately 2.86 million people, representing 13% of adults, reported harm arising from their own gambling. A further 1.18 million, or 5.4%, experienced harm caused by another person’s gambling, although some respondents fell within both groups.
Financial consequences were the most widely reported. Around 7.8% of adults said gambling had reduced their available spending money, while 7.1% reported lower savings. Reduced spending on recreational activities was reported by 5.9%.
Emotional effects included regret and shame, each recorded by close to 6% of the population. Around 4.8% said gambling had made them feel like a failure, while 4.5% reported distress or spending less time with people they cared about.
The index uses a 10-question screening framework developed by Central Queensland University. Its definition of gambling harm extends beyond people meeting clinical thresholds for gambling disorder, covering lower-level consequences that can affect finances, relationships and wellbeing.
The results broadly align with a national Australian Gambling Research Centre study published in 2025. That research estimated that 3.1 million adults experienced gambling-related harm during 2024, with participation and harm both increasing from 2019. It also identified higher risks among younger adults and links between severe gambling problems, financial stress and mental health difficulties.
The latest figures arrive as the Albanese Government advances gambling advertising reforms. The proposed measures include restrictions on television advertising, live sports promotions, online platforms, uniforms, sports venues and celebrity endorsements.
Australia recorded gambling losses of A$31.5bn ($20.8bn) in 2022.23, its highest inflation-adjusted total in two decades, according to national expenditure data.
The reforms stop short of the comprehensive advertising ban recommended by the 2023 Murphy inquiry, which proposed phasing out all online gambling advertising over three years as part of 31 recommendations.
Australia’s advertising proposals were outlined last month as the Government prepared its long-awaited response to concerns about children’s exposure to wagering promotions.
Around 3.6% of Australian adults reported increased credit card debt linked to gambling, while 2.6% said they had sold personal belongings
