Gambling is a major public policy issue in Australia, affecting the health and wellbeing of many individuals and families in a range of ways (AIFS & AIHW, 2021). Recent estimates suggest that Australians lose approximately $25 billion on legal forms of gambling every year, representing the largest per capita losses in the world (Queensland Government Statistician's Office, 2021). Gambling can result in the loss of time, money, or both, and gambling losses can lead to a range of negative consequences or gambling harms. These harms can range from financial, relationship or psychological issues to serious legal or health issues (Murray Boyle et al., 2021; Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation, 2016). On average, six others are directly affected by a person gambling at high-risk levels (Goodwin et al., 2017). Gambling at moderate levels affects three other people. Gambling at low-risk levels affects one other person.

The AGRC seeks to enhance understanding of the nature and extent of gambling participation and related harm in Australia, and advance knowledge of ways to prevent and reduce gambling harm among people who gamble, their families and communities. Given our role as a research body we focus our submission primarily on matters where we have conducted relevant research into online gambling in Australia or highlight relevant research findings by others.