Assessing gambling-related harm in Victoria: a public health perspective

Using an internationally recognised burden of disease approach, Assessing gambling-related harm in Victoria: a public health perspective finds that only 15 per cent of the harm associated with gambling in Victoria results from problem gambling.  Fifty per cent of harm results from low-risk gambling and 35 per cent from moderate-risk gambling.

The approach used by the researchers also allowed them to compare the level of harm between different health conditions. Gambling (considering all risk levels) caused about two-thirds of the harm of alcohol use or major depression, suggesting that it is a significant burden for the Victorian community.

This report provides evidence that similar to alcohol, harm from gambling can result from lower levels of consumption and is not confined to a small group who are experiencing addiction.

For more information visit Assessing gambling-related harm in Victoria.