Australian Lawmakers Want Betting Apps to Show Real-Time Gambling Losses

In a bold move to address Australia’s growing gambling crisis, lawmakers are advocating for a new law that would require betting apps and websites to display real-time gambling losses. This proposal, known as the Interactive Gambling Amendment (Know Your Losses Activity Statement) Bill 2025, aims to make gambling losses more transparent and help at-risk players make informed decisions. With Australia leading the world in per capita gambling losses, this initiative could be a game-changer in curbing the social and financial harm caused by excessive betting.

The Problem: Australia’s Gambling Epidemic

Australia has long held the dubious distinction of having the highest gambling losses in the world. In 2022-2023, Australians lost a staggering 32 billion to gambling, averaging 32 billion to gambling ,averaging 1,555 per adult annually. This figure far surpasses losses in comparable countries like the United States (809) and NewZealand (809) and NewZealand (584).

The rise of online betting has exacerbated the issue. During the pandemic, online gambling spending skyrocketed by 72%, reaching $9.56 billion in 20228. Young Australians, particularly men aged 20 to 49, are among the most affected, often underestimating their losses and falling into financial and mental health crises.

The Proposed Solution: Real-Time Loss Displays

The Know Your Losses bill, introduced by Independent MP Rebekha Sharkie, would mandate betting platforms to display three key figures prominently:

1. Monthly Losses: How much a player has lost in the current month.
2. Annual Losses: The total amount lost in the year.
3. Lifetime Losses: The cumulative losses since the player registered on the platform1.

These figures would be displayed in a clear, easy-to-read format, with text no smaller than 10 points, ensuring they are visible at all times during betting sessions. The goal is to provide players with a constant reminder of their financial losses, encouraging them to reconsider their betting habits.

Why This Matters: The Psychology of Gambling

One of the biggest challenges in addressing problem gambling is the psychological bias that leads players to focus on wins while downplaying losses. Research shows that gamblers often underestimate their losses, believing they have spent less than they actually have.

Monthly activity statements, which are currently provided by betting companies, are often overlooked or ignored. By contrast, real-time loss displays could serve as a powerful deterrent, forcing players to confront the financial impact of their actions immediately.

The Broader Context: A Growing Crisis

The push for real-time loss displays is part of a broader effort to tackle Australia’s gambling crisis. The Murphy Report, released in 2022, called for sweeping reforms, including a ban on gambling ads and the creation of a national regulator9. However, progress has been slow, with the government facing pressure from vested interests in the gambling and media industries.

Martin Thomas, CEO of the Alliance for Gambling Reform, has described the situation as a “growing crisis,” pointing to statistics that link gambling problems to one in five suicides in Australia. He and other advocates argue that weak consumer protections and aggressive marketing by betting companies are key drivers of the problem.

The Role of Technology

While technology has fueled the rise of online gambling, it also holds the key to mitigating its harms. Betting apps already use sophisticated algorithms and artificial intelligence to target users and encourage spending. The proposed law would leverage this same technology to promote responsible gambling.

For example, the BetStop system, Australia’s national self-exclusion register, could be integrated with real-time loss displays to enforce pre-commitment limits. This would allow players to set daily, monthly, or annual loss limits, which could only be adjusted after a 24-hour cooling-off period.

Challenges and Opposition

Despite its potential benefits, the Know Your Losses bill faces significant challenges. Betting companies have pushed back against similar reforms in the past, arguing that they could reduce revenue and limit consumer choice.

Moreover, the government has been hesitant to implement stricter regulations, fearing the economic impact on media companies that rely on gambling advertising revenue. A proposed ban on gambling ads during children’s programming and sports broadcasts was scrapped before it could be enacted.

The Way Forward: A Call for Action

Advocates for gambling reform are urging the government to prioritize public health over corporate profits. They argue that the social and economic costs of problem gambling far outweigh the potential loss of advertising revenue.

The Know Your Losses bill represents a pragmatic and cost-effective solution. By making gambling losses more transparent, it empowers players to make informed decisions and reduces the risk of financial harm. As Independent MP Andrew Wilkie noted, “This would cost the government very, very little to police, but this would stop lives being lost”.

Conclusion

Australia’s gambling crisis is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach. While the Know Your Losses bill is not a silver bullet, it is a significant step toward reducing the harm caused by excessive betting. By leveraging technology to promote transparency and accountability, lawmakers can help protect vulnerable Australians and create a safer, more responsible gambling environment.

As the debate over gambling reform continues, one thing is clear: the time for action is now. With public support for stricter regulations at an all-time high, the government has a unique opportunity to enact meaningful change and address one of the country’s most pressing social issues.