 |
| Gambling is causing many negative social consequences in this country. (Source: Nikkei Asia) |
Mark Kempster, 38, from Tasmania, lost nearly AUD 100,000 (approximately USD 68,800) over seven years betting on sports and horse racing, resulting in declining mental health, damaged personal relationships, and financial losses. After nearly six years of managing his gambling addiction, Tasmania acknowledges that, in addition to providing joy, passion, and camaraderie among fans, sports are being exploited by various forms of gambling for profit.
Kempster's story reflects a growing problem in Australia, where sports betting is booming thanks to the popularity of technology and smartphones. According to a 2025 survey by the Australian National University, 88.5% of participants bet on sports, primarily through online transactions. When betting becomes a "natural" part of the sports-watching experience, the lines between entertainment and risky behavior become blurred.
An alarming situation.
According to H2 Gambling Capital, a global gambling market analysis and consulting firm, by 2025, the average adult in Australia will lose an additional US$1,198 due to gambling, 50% more than in any other country. The Australian Gambling Research Centre (AGRC) estimates that sports betting alone cost society and the healthcare system A$19.3 billion (approximately US$13.3 billion) in 2023, including impacts related to domestic violence.
 |
| Besides online transactions, cash is also commonly used in betting activities in Australia (Source: Getty Images) |
Social organizations in Australia warn that the consequences of gambling extend beyond just the money lost. In their comments on the draft amendments to the Interactive Gambling Act, Relationships Australia argues that the harms of gambling often lead to numerous health, financial, family, and social problems, such as domestic violence, elder abuse, mental health issues, substance abuse, and homelessness.
The organization also cited studies showing that gambling does not directly cause domestic violence, but the pressure of debt, financial stress, and loss of behavioral control can exacerbate existing conflicts.
A 2022 survey by AGRC also showed that nearly one-third of first-time sports bettors aged 18-34 said their behavioral decision was influenced by advertising. Beyond mass advertising, bookmakers also leverage customer preferences and behavior data to market at times when customers are most vulnerable.
Not only in Australia, but also in the UK, gambling is considered a contributing factor to mental health, financial, and social problems. A risk assessment in the UK estimates that around 300,000 people in the country are experiencing gambling-related issues, while another 1.8 million are at high risk. The annual cost of gambling, according to Public Health England, is estimated at £1.27 billion (approximately US$1.74 billion).
In Brazil , online gambling is directly impacting household finances, especially for low-income groups. Reuters, citing data from the Central Bank of Brazil, reported that Brazilians bet up to 30 billion Real (approximately $5.4 billion) per month on online platforms. In August 2024 alone, around 5 million people receiving Bolsa Família benefits transferred 3 billion Real, approximately $540 million, to gambling companies through the Pix system.
A study published in the scientific journal Brazilian Review of Finance in 2026 also indicated that online sports betting increases risks for vulnerable groups, with young people, low-income individuals, and those under financial pressure tending to participate more.
Efforts from the Government
Given the increasing prevalence and evolving nature of online gambling, many countries have taken steps to tighten regulations. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a plan to restrict advertising, sponsorship, and promotion of gambling, which is expected to take effect from January 2027 if approved by Parliament.
According to the proposal, advertising for gambling on television between 6:00 AM and 8:30 PM would be limited to a maximum of three times per hour and completely banned during live sports broadcasts; it would also be prohibited to display odds, use celebrities, or athletes. On radio, advertising would be banned during parent drop-off and pick-up times; and online, advertising would only be displayed to logged-in adult users who have not opted out.
 |
| Online sports betting is growing rapidly, raising concerns about its impact on fans and young people. (Source: Getty Images) |
In the UK, following the High Stakes: Gambling Reform for the Digital Age White Paper , the government has tightened regulations on online gambling to enhance player protection. Gambling businesses are required to make mandatory contributions to fund research, prevention, and treatment of gambling-related harm, including counseling and support for addicts; at the same time, the UK has set a betting cap for online slot games. According to the UK Gambling Commission's guidance, the cap is £5 per spin for those aged 25 and over and £2 for those aged 18-24.
The UK gambling regulator is also promoting financial risk screening measures to detect early signs that players may be at risk. This approach shows a shift in regulatory focus from dealing with the consequences to early risk identification, especially in the online environment where players can place bets continuously and it is difficult for outsiders to detect them.
Concerned about the increasing amount of social welfare payments being diverted to gambling platforms, the Brazilian government has taken early intervention measures. The Brazilian Ministry of Social Development stated that working groups will propose measures to prevent beneficiaries from using these funds for online gambling.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva also warned that the government would ban online gambling if regulations failed to control the problem of gamblers becoming addicted, affecting their families and society. He also expressed his disapproval of low-income families using social welfare funds for gambling.
Looking at the examples of Australia, the UK, and Brazil, it's clear that these countries are shifting their management mindset from dealing with the consequences to early prevention. For Australia, the plan to tighten advertising for gambling may be the first step in limiting the appearance of online gambling on sports programs. However, social experts argue that the bigger challenge is not just reducing the frequency of advertising, but re-establishing the line between sports and gambling before this problem significantly impacts the younger generation.
Source: https://baoquocte.vn/the-gioi-siet-ca-do-the-thao-412345.html
