ABC's Four Corners Exposes Potential Underreporting of Gambling Harm in Australia

The report highlights gaps in tracking losses and wins on pokies, and questions the integrity of regulators and politicians with ties to gambling companies. Stricter regulations and tougher penalties are needed to protect consumers.

, and Administrator

2025 October 7 . 7:45 PM

1 min read

There are few people on a greenery ground playing rugby sport.

ABC's Four Corners Exposes Potential Underreporting of Gambling Harm in Australia

A new investigation by ABC's Four Corners has shed light on potential underreporting of gambling harm in Australia, raising concerns about the regulation of the industry. The report highlights issues with tracking losses and wins on video poker machines, also known as pokies, and questions the integrity of regulators and politicians with ties to gambling companies.

The underreporting of gambling harm may be attributed to the lack of tracking for pokies' losses and wins. This gap in monitoring allows the true extent of gambling-related harm to remain unknown. Adding to these concerns, gambling companies have been hiring regulators and donating to politicians, potentially influencing regulations in their favour.

Pre-commitment systems, designed to help gamblers manage their spending, have faced opposition from poker machine venues and hesitant lawmakers in several states, including Tasmania, Victoria, and New South Wales. This resistance to stricter regulations has been criticised, with penalties for breaching gambling laws described as 'feeble'.

Land-based gaming giants Star Entertainment and Crown Resorts have faced scrutiny and fines for shortcomings in their anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing measures. Despite these issues, consequences for harmful practices within the industry have been described as 'feeble', suggesting a need for tougher penalties.

The ABC Four Corners' investigation underscores the need for improved regulation and monitoring of the gambling industry in Australia. With potential underreporting of gambling harm and concerns about political ties, it is crucial for lawmakers to address these issues and ensure adequate consumer protection. Stricter penalties and better enforcement are key to holding the industry accountable and preventing further harm.