The number of reported gambling harm incidents in Australia’s Australian Capital Territory (ACT) has more than doubled in two years, reaching a record high in the 2025-26 financial year, according to figures presented to a parliamentary hearing.
Data from the ACT Gambling and Racing Commission, as reported by The Canberra Times, showed that venues operating poker machines reported 72,647 gambling harm incidents during 2025-26. The figure was up 53.5 per cent from 47,337 incidents in 2024-25 and more than double the 32,095 incidents recorded in 2023-24. The figures were disclosed during an ACT budget estimate hearing on 27 July, where commission officials discussed trends in gambling harm reporting across the territory.
Gambling harm reporting reaches five-year high
The latest figures represent the highest number of gambling harm incident reports recorded in the ACT over the past five financial years. According to the commission, the most commonly reported indicators of gambling harm were “money seeking” behaviour, including multiple cash withdrawals, and high-intensity gambling activity. This can include extended periods of gambling without breaks and spending more than A$300 (about $209) during a single session.
ACT Gambling and Racing Commission Chief Executive Giuseppe Mangeruca said the increase in reports reflected improved monitoring and reporting practices by gaming venues.
He said venues are encouraged to report behaviours that may indicate gambling harm rather than wait for clear evidence of problem gambling. “There is not one particular thing that anyone should be looking for. In the circumstances, does it appear that that person is suffering from gambling harm, and that is something we would suggest is reported in the register,” he said, as cited by The Canberra Times.
Self-exclusions also increase
The hearing also showed an increase in self-exclusion requests. This is a measure that lets people voluntarily ban themselves from gambling venues. In 2025-26, the commission recorded 376 self-exclusions, up from 295 in the previous financial year. ACT venues that operate poker machines are required to maintain incident registers and report signs of gambling-related harm to the regulator.
However, officials noted that the number of incident reports does not directly correspond to the number of individuals experiencing gambling harm, as multiple reports may relate to the same person. Mangeruca said some venues had become more proactive in identifying and reporting concerning behaviour.
Fewer gamblers but higher levels of harm
Mangeruca also reiterated findings from a 2024 ACT gambling survey, which found that overall gambling participation had declined across the territory.
Despite fewer people gambling, the survey identified an intensification of harm among a smaller group of gamblers, suggesting that gambling-related risks are becoming increasingly concentrated among high-risk individuals.
The latest figures come amid ongoing scrutiny of gambling activity in the ACT. Previous reporting showed that although the number of poker machines operating in the territory had declined, gaming revenue continued to increase.
The record level of gambling harm incident reports is likely to add further momentum to discussions around gambling regulation, harm minimisation measures and venue compliance requirements in the ACT.
National gambling reform debate gains momentum
The rise in ACT gambling harm reports comes as Australia debates broader gambling reform measures at the federal level. Earlier this month, the Australian Government introduced the Interactive Gambling Amendment (Gambling Reform) Bill 2026, which proposes stricter controls on gambling advertising, enhanced consumer protections and stronger enforcement powers for the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). The legislation would limit television gambling advertisements, ban gambling commercials during live sports broadcasts and expand measures targeting illegal offshore operators.
The debate intensified at the Australian Labor Party’s national conference in July, where delegates backed proposals to strengthen national gambling regulation and explore creating a dedicated national gambling regulator. The party also endorsed measures aimed at reducing young people’s exposure to gambling-related content and inducements across online gaming and social media platforms.
No final decision has been made about creating a national regulator yet. However, discussions have focused on either setting up a new federal agency or expanding ACMA’s responsibilities. Supporters believe that a national approach would improve oversight and help prevent harm. Critics of the current system point out that gambling regulation remains fragmented across Australia’s states and territories.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has defended the government’s proposed reforms, calling them some of Australia’s strongest measures to reduce gambling harm so far. However, some lawmakers and advocates for gambling harm still push for stricter rules. They want a total ban on gambling advertising and tighter controls on incentives.
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