ACT gambling harm incident reports double over two years
Summary
In the past financial year (2025‑26), the ACT Gambling and Racing Commission received 72,647 gambling harm incident reports, a 53.5% increase from 47,337 in 2024‑25 and more than double the 32,095 reports in 2023‑24. Officials said the rise reflects better reporting rather than a surge in harm, noting that most reports involve money seeking and high‑intensity play. Self‑exclusions also rose to 376 from 295 the previous year. Ministers and commissioners welcomed the increase as evidence of improved uptake of the incident register, while cautioning that incentives such as free meals or drinks could encourage prolonged gambling.
(Source:The Canberra Times)