Symbolic image representing the fight against gambling addiction.

Reclaim Your Life: How Public Health Strategies Can Curb Gambling Addiction

Theo Raines in Health & Wellness November 2025 • 3 min read.

"Uncover the potent public health strategies that can reduce gambling harms, safeguard families, and foster healthier communities in Australia."

Gambling addiction is a significant public health issue affecting countless individuals and families. In Australia, approximately 116,000 people grapple with a serious gambling problem, while another 279,000 experience moderate issues. Beyond these numbers, gambling addiction casts a wide net, impacting children, parents, spouses, friends, and colleagues.

The consequences of gambling addiction extend far beyond financial losses. They include physical and mental health problems, relationship breakdowns, family violence, crime, and even suicide. Poker machines, in particular, are disproportionately located in disadvantaged areas, exacerbating existing inequalities.

To address this growing concern, public health strategies offer a powerful avenue for prevention and intervention. By modifying game characteristics, reducing maximum bets and prizes, and implementing pre-commitment systems, we can mitigate the harm associated with gambling and create healthier communities for all.

How Can Modifying Game Characteristics Help?

Symbolic image representing the fight against gambling addiction.

One of the most effective strategies is to modify the characteristics of poker machines. The Australian Productivity Commission (PC) highlighted the link between the extent of gambling problems and electronic gaming machines (EGMs). Reducing maximum bets and prizes can significantly curb harmful gambling behavior.

Consider these key points:

Reduced Bets: The PC discovered that 88% of recreational gamblers bet less than $1 on poker machines, while 50% of problem gamblers bet more. Reducing the maximum bet to $1 could significantly limit losses without inconveniencing recreational players.
Lower Prizes: Australian poker machines have relatively high maximum prizes compared to other countries. In the UK, maximum prizes are limited to £70 or less, while in Australia, they can reach $10,000 or more. Lowering these prizes can reduce the temptation to 'chase' losses.
Design Matters: Other game characteristics, such as the number of 'lines' that can be played, can also exacerbate spending. Modifying these elements can further reduce the intensity of use and harm.

By implementing these changes, we can make poker machines less addictive and reduce the financial harm experienced by vulnerable individuals.

A Political Dimension

Reforming gambling regulation in Australia requires addressing the issues associated with poker machines head-on. While the solutions are available, the gambling industry's resistance highlights the powerful vested interests at play. Ultimately, public health's commitment to improved health and wellbeing must take precedence. The moment for political action is now.

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Everything You Need To Know

What is the scale of gambling addiction in Australia, and whom does it impact beyond those directly affected?

In Australia, approximately 116,000 individuals face serious issues related to gambling, while another 279,000 experience moderate problems. The effects of this addiction extend beyond these numbers, impacting family members, friends, and colleagues. Consequences range from financial strain and health issues to relationship breakdowns and, tragically, even suicide. Additionally, areas with disadvantage are disproportionately affected due to the location of Poker Machines.

What are the key modifications to Poker Machine game characteristics that can help reduce gambling harm?

Modifying Poker Machine game characteristics includes reducing the maximum bets allowed, lowering the maximum prizes offered, and adjusting the design elements of the games. The Australian Productivity Commission found that 88% of recreational gamblers bet less than $1 on Poker Machines, while 50% of problem gamblers bet more. Reducing the maximum bet to $1 could significantly limit losses without impacting recreational players. Similarly, lowering maximum prizes can reduce the temptation to chase losses. Modifying design elements, such as the number of lines that can be played, can also reduce the intensity of use.

How does lowering maximum prizes on Poker Machines specifically contribute to curbing gambling addiction?

Lowering maximum prizes can help to curb gambling addiction by reducing the temptation to chase losses. In Australia, Poker Machine prizes can reach $10,000 or more, while in the UK, maximum prizes are limited to £70 or less. The availability of high prizes can create a greater incentive for individuals to continue gambling in an attempt to win big, which can lead to significant financial harm and addiction. By reducing these prizes, the incentive to compulsively gamble decreases, promoting healthier gambling habits.

What are Pre-commitment systems, and how do they aid in responsible gambling practices in the context of addressing gambling addiction?

Implementing Pre-commitment systems allows gamblers to set limits on their spending and playing time before they begin gambling. These systems can help individuals maintain control over their gambling habits and prevent them from exceeding their financial or time limits. These systems can include features like deposit limits, session time limits, and loss limits. By empowering individuals to set and adhere to their own limits, pre-commitment systems promote responsible gambling and reduce the risk of developing a gambling problem. Furthermore, they provide a mechanism for self-exclusion, allowing individuals to voluntarily ban themselves from gambling venues.

Why is there resistance to reforming gambling regulations, and why is political action essential to prioritize public health?

Reforming gambling regulation faces resistance from the gambling industry because of the vested interests at play. The industry benefits financially from the current regulations and may resist changes that could reduce their profits. However, public health strategies prioritize the health and wellbeing of the community, and it is crucial to address the harmful effects of gambling addiction despite industry resistance. Ultimately, political action is necessary to prioritize public health over the interests of the gambling industry and implement effective regulations to curb gambling addiction.