The National Gambling Toll calculates the financial losses of Australia’s addiction to gambling. Between March 2025 and March 2026, Australians lost $36 billion to gambling. On a per person basis, Australians lose more money to gambling than any other country. This paper finds that without comprehensive reform, this toll will only continue to grow.

This report is the culmination of a four-year independent research program into gambling across Great Britain, conducted between 2021 and 2025. The report summarises the approach and findings. It concludes with recommendations for policymakers, researchers and the gambling sector on how to continue developing practical, evidence-based ways to reduce gambling-related harms.

Gambling related harm is a significant public health concern. Australians lose over $32 billion on legal forms of gambling each year. The potential for harm has increased with the proliferation of online wagering sites and betting apps. This impact analysis considers a range of options for restrictions on wagering advertising.

A review of BetStop, the National Self-Exclusion Register (NSER), a service that allows individuals to self-exclude from all Australian licensed online and telephone wagering services. The review finds that the NSER is performing an essential and much needed function in protecting those at risk of gambling harm. It makes 10 recommendations to optimise BetStop’s role.

Evidence shows that gambling advertising is contributing to increasing individual and social harms. Many Australians are also frustrated by current levels of gambling advertising, and especially about children’s exposure to it. This policy brief outlines the drivers behind the Murphy inquiry recommendation, the current state of gambling advertising regulation, and possible avenues for change.