The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) warns that current levels of gambling exposure are driving significant and preventable mental health harm across New South Wales.

The RANZCP supports evidence-based measures to reduce poker machine-related harm, including proposals currently being considered at the NSW Labor State Conference.

The RANZCP says reducing the number of machines is a critical step to address worsening harms linked to addiction, financial distress, family violence and trauma. 

International and Australian evidence suggests that reducing exposure to electronic gaming machines is among the most effective population-level strategies for reducing gambling-related harm.

RANZCP NSW Branch Chair Dr Ian Korbel said gambling harm is increasingly presenting in clinical settings and is often closely linked with other addiction-related mental health conditions.

“Gambling harm is a serious mental health and public health issue, often intertwined with conditions such as substance use disorders, mood disorders and trauma,” Dr Korbel said.

“In New South Wales, where poker machine density is among the highest in the world, we are seeing the impact on individuals and families firsthand.

“Psychiatrists regularly see the consequences of gambling harm, including depression, anxiety, suicidality, substance use disorders, family breakdown and financial trauma.

“People experiencing gambling-related harm are also at increased risk of self-harm and suicide, which is why early intervention and access to evidence-based treatment is essential.”

New South Wales has around 87,000 poker machines, with a proposal before the NSW Labor State Conference to reduce this by 50 per cent over the next decade.

Dr Korbel said there is strong evidence that higher exposure to poker machines leads to increased harm.

“Research commissioned by the NSW Government has found a strong relationship between poker gaming machine exposure and family and domestic violence across the state,” he said.

“We also know that increases in poker machine losses are associated with increases in assaults. These harms are not isolated. They compound existing mental health challenges and place enormous strain on families and communities.”

Dr Korbel said gambling-related financial stress and coercive control are well-established drivers of harm within households.

“There is a clear and preventable chain of harm. Losses from gambling can escalate financial stress, fuel conflict, and in some cases contribute to family and domestic violence,” he said.

“Family violence is the leading cause of homelessness for women and children in Australia. The evidence now shows that higher exposure to poker machines is associated with higher rates of violence, which in turn drives housing instability and crisis.

“Australians lose billions of dollars to gambling each year, and these losses are concentrated in communities that can least afford it. Reducing the number of machines is one of the most effective ways to reduce that harm.”

Dr Korbel said NSW had an opportunity to build on reforms seen in other jurisdictions.

“Several jurisdictions nationally and internationally have introduced stronger gambling harm minimisation measures, including carded play systems and restrictions on machine availability,” he said.

“NSW now has an opportunity to take meaningful action based on clear evidence.”

The RANZCP is also calling for a broader, coordinated response to gambling harm, including improved access to evidence-based treatment and support.

“Too many people experiencing gambling harm struggle to access care, often due to stigma or limited services,” Dr Korbel said.

“We need to reduce the drivers of harm while ensuring people can access timely, evidence-based mental health and addiction support delivered by trained professionals and informed by lived experience.”

Dr Korbel urged NSW Labor members to support actions to prevent gambling harm at the upcoming State Conference.

“This is an opportunity to reduce preventable harm and improve mental health outcomes across the state,” he said.

“Failing to act risks allowing these harms to continue to grow.”

ENQUIRIES: For more information, or to arrange an interview call Dishi Gahlowt on +61 437 315 911 or email media@ranzcp.org. 

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists is a membership organisation that prepares medical specialists in the field of psychiatry, supports and enhances clinical practice, advocates for people affected by mental illness and advises governments and other groups on mental health care. For information about our work, our members or our history, visit www.ranzcp.org.

In Australia: If you or someone you know needs help, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or www.lifeline.org.au or the Suicide Callback Service on 1300 659 467 or www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au.

In New Zealand: If you or someone you know needs help, contact Lifeline NZ on 0800 543 354 or www.lifeline.org.nz or the Suicide Crisis Helpline on 0508 828 865 or www.lifeline.org.nz/suicide-prevention.