By Robert Common, Managing Partner, The Beekeeper
Gambling addiction is becoming an increasingly urgent issue in Australia. More Australians are getting hooked on gambling than ever before, and it’s not just a gut feeling – the data backs it up. Recent studies show a significant jump in gambling participation and harm across the country. In 2019, about 57% of Australian adults had gambled in the past year; by 2024 that figure climbed to 65%. That means well over half the adult population is gambling, with a notable rise in regular betting. Even more troubling, roughly 3 million Australians are now experiencing some form of gambling-related harm, up from about 2 million a few years prior. In percentage terms, 15% of people experienced gambling harm in the past 12 months, up from 11% in 2019. And the most severe problem gambling is growing too – the share of adults classified as high-risk (problem) gamblers nearly doubled from 1.1% in 2018 to 1.8% in 2022.
All of this translates to enormous social and financial costs. Australians collectively lose around $32 billion on gambling each year, the highest losses per capita of any country in the world. In 2022–23 alone, Aussies lost a record $31.5 billion – the most in two decades. To put that in perspective, that’s roughly $1,500 lost for every adult in a single year. These losses aren’t just statistics; they reflect real people emptying their bank accounts on poker machines, sports bets, online casinos and lotteries. Many have suffered serious consequences – strained relationships, financial stress, even mental health crises – due to gambling. One former gambler from Victoria, for example, described how he grew up with betting as “daily” part of life, and by age 18 he realized his gambling was out of control. In his late 20s, he finally sought help after the habit left him unable to afford basic expenses like fuel for his car. Stories like this are increasingly common, painting a human picture of the nation’s gambling problem.
What’s Behind the Rise in Gambling Addiction?
How did we get here? Several factors are driving the increase in gambling addiction across Australia. It’s a perfect storm of technology, social change, and economic pressure making gambling more accessible and more dangerous than ever. Key reasons experts cite include:
Online Betting Boom
The rise of online and mobile betting has made gambling available anytime, anywhere. Sports betting and online casino apps put a virtual poker machine right in your pocket. This convenience has fueled a surge in betting, especially among young men. In fact, the proportion of men betting on sports in a typical month nearly doubled from 2015 to 2022. Researchers link this jump to the increasing accessibility of online betting platforms and apps, combined with aggressive digital marketing. During the COVID-19 lockdowns, isolation and boredom led many to start gambling on their phones; almost 1 in 3 surveyed gamblers opened a new online betting account during the pandemic. The ease of placing a bet online – from your couch, with a few taps – has lowered the barrier for casual fun to spiral into a habitual or addictive behavior.
Social Isolation and Boredom
Feelings of isolation or having nothing else to do can push people toward gambling as a distraction. This was especially evident during pandemic lockdowns, but it’s true in everyday life as well. When people feel lonely, bored, or socially disconnected, gambling (particularly online) can become a form of escape. As noted, during COVID restrictions many Australians actually gambled more frequently despite the closure of in-person venues. Without normal social activities, some turned to the thrill of online pokies or sports multis to fill the void. Even outside of lockdowns, someone who is socially isolated – say, a retiree living alone or a young person struggling to connect – might be more vulnerable to using gambling as a way to kill time or cope with loneliness.
Economic Stress
Ironically, financial stress can fuel more gambling. You might expect people to tighten their belts when money is short, but for some, the opposite happens – they start chasing a win as a quick fix. Australia’s cost-of-living pressures have been intense lately (rising rents, bills, etc.), yet gambling losses have continued to soar despite the economic strain. Experts observe that in times of financial hardship, people gamble when they are desperate, hoping for that life-changing payout. It’s a cruel cycle: the more behind you are on money, the more tempting gambling becomes as a seemingly viable solution – which often leads to even bigger losses. Stress can also impair judgment and increase risk-taking, making vulnerable people more likely to bet larger amounts or chase losses. As one gambling researcher put it, desperate people often turn to desperate measures by wagering what little they have in an attempt to dig themselves out of a hole. Unfortunately, this usually only digs the hole deeper.
Relentless Advertising and Promotion
You’ve probably noticed – it’s almost impossible to watch sports or even scroll social media in Australia without being hit by gambling ads. The marketing of betting is everywhere, and it works. Bookmakers sponsor sporting teams and flood TV, radio, and online platforms with advertisements offering “bonus bets” or “cash-back” deals. From May 2022 to April 2023, over one million gambling ads aired on Australian TV and radio, and half of those were for online betting services. This saturation advertising normalizes gambling and keeps it constantly on people’s minds. It’s especially dangerous for young people – gambling is often glamorized as part of sports fandom, making it seem like an ordinary hobby. Regulators and public health advocates are increasingly worried that this ad blitz is grooming a new generation of bettors. Studies have found that exposure to gambling advertising is linked to higher risk of harm, particularly among the young. When you combine 24/7 ad exposure with easy smartphone access, the temptation to gamble can be hard to escape. Even those trying to quit or cut back are constantly triggered by seeing betting odds and promotions everywhere they look.
These factors together help explain why gambling addiction is rising across Australia. The accessibility of online betting, the social and economic stresses people face, and the ubiquity of gambling advertising have created an environment where it’s easier than ever to slip into problematic gambling. And once someone is hooked, it can be incredibly hard to break free, especially when their everyday environment is full of triggers – the local pub’s pokies, the sports ads during the footy match, the mates talking about their multis, etc.
On a positive note, there’s growing awareness about these harms. More Australians today recognize the signs of problem gambling and are seeking help. Interestingly, a lot of people are looking beyond Australia’s shores for that help. In recent years, overseas rehabilitation for gambling addiction has become an attractive option. Let’s explore why.
Why Australians Trust Us at The Beekeeper House
At The Beekeeper House, we understand what you’re going through – and we’re here to help every step of the way. We are an Asia-based mental health and addiction treatment center that has become a trusted choice for Australians seeking discreet, high-quality care in a private setting.
Why do people choose us?
World-Class, Accredited Team
Our therapeutic team includes AHPRA-registered psychologists from Australia and other Western-trained clinicians. You’ll receive one-on-one therapy, group support, and cutting-edge treatments with licensed experts who are warm, non-judgmental, and dedicated to your wellbeing.
Fast and Flexible Admissions
We offer immediate admissions and flexible program lengths. There are no long waitlists to deal with – when you reach out ready for help, we move quickly to get you on the plane and into a comfortable room at our center.
Affordable, All-Inclusive Care (Including Super Access)
Treatment at The Beekeeper House typically comes at a fraction of the price of equivalent private care in Australia. We also help Australian clients navigate funding options, including Release My Super.
Discreet, Healing Environment
Our residential facility in Chiang Mai, Thailand is tucked away amid lush greenery. We limit our guest intake to maintain a peaceful atmosphere. Each client has their own comfortable room and daily access to therapy and wellness activities in a secure and confidential setting.
Award-Winning Aftercare
We provide comprehensive aftercare to keep you connected and supported once you’re back in Australia. Our My Beekeeper mobile app offers a secure tool for tracking your progress, plus weekly therapy check-ins and ongoing alumni support.
If you’re ready to step away from the cycle of gambling and begin real recovery, we’re ready to walk with you. Reach out to our team for a confidential consultation – we’ll take care of the rest.
