All In The Mind Ads, sports and games: how gambling infiltrated Australian culture
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May 3, 2025 Hannah Pitt, a senior research fellow at Deakin University, and Anastasia Hironis, a clinical psychologist from the University of Technology Sydney, discuss the pervasive influence of gambling in Australian culture. They explore the ineffectiveness of responsible gambling messages, especially among youth, who see betting as socially normalized. The conversation touches on the risks of loot boxes in video games and the deep cultural acceptance of gambling advertising. Both experts advocate for stricter regulations to protect young Australians from the growing gambling landscape.
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Gambling's Digital Shift
- Gambling has shifted from physical venues to being accessible 24/7 via online platforms and apps.
- Saturation of gambling advertising vastly increased exposure, especially promoting positive messages about gambling.
Australia's High Gambling Losses
- Australians lose about $25 billion annually on gambling, the highest per capita globally.
- Gambling now uses digital tools to keep people engaged similar to other digital products.
Loot Boxes Mimic Gambling
- Loot boxes in video games mimic gambling by requiring money for random rewards.
- More loot box spending correlates with higher problem gambling symptoms though causation is unclear.