Could displaying losses help combat Problem Gambling?

Key Points

• Australia’s proposed “Know Your Losses Activity Statement” Bill 2025 would require online gambling operators to display real-time losses prominently to bettors.

• Australia has the highest gambling losses per capita, with national losses reaching A$32 billion ($19.3 billion USD) in 2022-23.

• Supporters argue that displaying losses could increase awareness and reduce problem gambling

• The U.S. can learn from Australia's approach by considering mandatory loss disclosures, stricter regulations and credit card betting restrictions.

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It’s no secret gambling addiction is a growing public health crisis, particularly in a country like Australia, where betting is deeply ingrained in its culture. Australia, cited as the world’s biggest gambling nation, could be taking a bold step to combat problem gambling through the proposed Interactive Gambling Amendment (Know Your Losses Activity Statement) Bill 2025. 

In mid-2022, licensed operators were required to install a tab providing monthly activity statements to customers. This new legislation aims to make that information front and center, so that online bettors have real-time visibility into their gambling losses. Many bettors become deeply engaged in gambling without fully realizing the extent of their losses, so the goal is to reduce harmful gambling behaviors by ensuring bettors can no longer ignore the reality of their losses. 

But will this approach work, and what lessons can the United States take from Australia’s efforts? Let’s discuss. 

What is the bill about displaying losses that is proposed in Australia?

The Interactive Gambling Amendment (Know Your Losses Activity Statement) Bill 2025, introduced by Independent MP Rebekha Sharkie, seeks to require gambling operators to display real-time account activity, including amounts spent, bets placed and net losses, prominently as a banner on wagering apps and websites. With this measure, bettors will have continuous awareness of and visibility into their gambling finances, potentially discouraging excessive losses.

Let’s break down the key provisions of the bill:

• Operators must display three key elements at all times: Net losses for the current month, calendar year, and all-time total since joining the platform.

• The information must be presented in at least 10-point font and remain visible at all times.

• A six-month transition period for gambling operators to implement necessary system updates.

• Criminal offense and corresponding civil penalty for non-compliance, including up to 500 penalty units per day for criminal offenses and 750 penalty units for civil penalties, multiplied by five for corporate entities.

Supporters of the bill argue that by making these figures unavoidable during betting sessions, individuals may become more conscious of their spending and make better-informed decisions.

Why is Australia proposing the new legislation?

The pressure is on, and it is deeply felt by legislators. Australia’s gambling losses per capita are the highest in the world, with national gambling losses reaching A$32 billion (approximately $19.3 billion USD) in 2022-23. Australia is home to less than 1% of the world’s population, and yet it has 18% of the world’s poker – or slot – machines. Combine this with aggressive marketing tactics (which has inspired a partial ban on gambling ads) and easy access to online betting platforms (hosts 76% of the world’s poker machines in non-dedicated gaming venues), has exacerbated the issue, leading to significant financial and mental health crises.

This crisis has sparked growing concern among legislators and advocacy groups, leading to increased calls for intervention. One of the bill’s key proponents, Martin Thomas from the Alliance for Gambling Reform, emphasized the urgent need for intervention, citing statistics that link gambling-related financial distress to increased suicides. The legislation has also received support from veteran anti-gambling advocate MP Andrew Wilkie, who has highlighted the role of targeted advertising in propelling gambling addiction.

How Australia became a nation of gambling

Australia’s deep-rooted gambling culture is the result of decades of government reliance on gambling tax revenue and widespread access to betting venues. Slot machines, known locally as "pokies," in pubs, clubs, and casinos, have made gambling a normalized part of daily life. New South Wales alone has approximately 90,000 gaming machines, second only to Nevada in global concentration, contributing to an industry that sees Australians lose more money per capita than any other nation.

The impacts of this accessibility are most visible in lower-income areas. Fairfield, a suburb in Sydney’s western region, hosts five of the 25 most profitable gaming clubs in New South Wales. The financial toll on these communities is staggering, reinforcing cycles of hardship and addiction while generating significant revenue for both the gambling industry and state governments.

Other pushes in Australia to rein in gambling

While the newly proposed gambling bill has brought fresh attention to the issue, Australia has seen several efforts to regulate the industry in recent years:

• The 2022 Murphy Report recommended a total ban on gambling advertisements, citing their impact on vulnerable populations.

• The 2023 Interactive Gambling Amendment (Ban on Gambling Advertisements) Bill aimed to eliminate targeted betting ads that exploit at-risk individuals.

• Proposed restrictions on credit card use for online betting seek to curb excessive gambling by preventing players from using borrowed funds.

Despite these initiatives, regulatory change has been slow, with significant reforms unlikely to take effect until after the May 2025 federal elections.

What the United States can learn from Australia

The U.S. has seen a dramatic rise in online gambling participation and cases of addiction, particularly with the expansion of legalized sports betting. While regulations vary by state, the rapid growth of online wagering raises growing concerns about addiction and financial distress.

One key takeaway from Australia’s approach is the emphasis on transparency and consumer protection. Implementing mandatory real-time loss displays – so players can see exactly how much they have spent – could be a step toward curbing problem gambling in the U.S. Additionally, stricter regulations on targeted gambling advertisements and restrictions on credit card betting could help protect vulnerable individuals from falling into cycles of addiction.

Problem gambling support and resources in the U.S.

As gambling access continues to expand across the U.S., policymakers must consider proactive measures to mitigate addiction risks. Australia's latest bill offers a potential model for reform, emphasizing the importance of informed decision-making in gambling behavior. While the long-term effectiveness of real-time loss displays remains uncertain, they represent a step toward greater accountability within the industry.

For those struggling with gambling addiction in America, specialized support is available. Birches Health provides virtual treatment nationwide with specially trained and certified counselors for individuals seeking help. If you or someone you know needs support, here’s how to get started:

• Book an appointment 

• Call 833-483-3838

• Email help@bircheshealth.com

Sources:

• BBC

• The Guardian