More Than 3.3 Million Australians Affected by Gambling Harm, New Data Shows

More than one in seven Australian adults is now living with some form of gambling-related harm, according to new research released as Canberra continues to push ahead with gambling reforms.

The latest figures from Roy Morgan estimate that 3.32 million Australians, or 15.1% of the adult population, have been affected either by their own gambling or by the gambling habits of someone close to them. The findings arrive as the Albanese Government faces ongoing political debate over proposed changes to gambling regulation.

Financial Strain Remains the Most Common Impact

The research separates gambling harm into two categories. One covers people experiencing harm from their own gambling, while the other captures those affected by the gambling behaviour of family members or other close relationships. Some Australians fall into both groups.

As of March 2026, an estimated 2.86 million adults, representing 13% of the population, were experiencing harm linked to their own gambling. Another 1.18 million people, or 5.4% of Australians, reported being negatively affected by someone else’s gambling.

Roy Morgan’s data suggests financial pressures remain the most widespread consequence.

Nearly 8% of Australian adults reported having less money available for everyday spending because of gambling. Just over 7% said their savings had fallen, while 5.9% said gambling had forced them to cut back on leisure activities such as dining out, entertainment, or going to the movies.

The survey also points to deeper personal consequences beyond household finances.

Almost 6% of respondents reported feelings of regret about their gambling, with a similar share saying they experienced shame. Around 4.8% said gambling had left them feeling like a failure, while 4.5% reported emotional distress. The same proportion said gambling had reduced the time they spent with people they care about.

Debt and asset sales also appeared among the reported outcomes. About 3.6% said gambling had increased their credit card debt, and 2.6% said they had sold personal belongings because of gambling-related financial pressure.

Measuring Harm Beyond Gambling Losses

The findings come from the Roy Morgan Gambling Harm Index, which measures gambling-related harm using a framework developed by Central Queensland University.

Rather than focusing only on money lost, the index examines ten indicators covering financial hardship, emotional wellbeing, psychological effects and social relationships. The approach is designed to capture the broader impact gambling can have not only on those who gamble but also on people around them.

Roy Morgan believes the latest results reinforce the scale of gambling-related harm across Australia, with financial difficulties emerging as the most commonly reported issue, alongside significant emotional and social consequences affecting millions of adults.

Source: www.roymorgan.com

More Than 3.3 Million Australians Affected by Gambling Harm, New Data Shows

Financial Strain Remains the Most Common Impact

Measuring Harm Beyond Gambling Losses

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