Psychiatrists have welcomed the Western Australian Government’s introduction of mandatory carded play for electronic gaming machines (EGMs) as a positive step toward reducing gambling harm.

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) warns that major gaps remain, and it will continue to advocate to address growing harms linked to online gambling.

RANZCP President Dr Astha Tomar said gambling harm was a serious public health issue, often intertwined with mental health conditions such as substance use disorders, mood disorders and trauma.

“Gambling harm is a public health crisis with devastating impacts on people’s lives,” Dr Tomar said.

“Addiction to online gambling and EGMs poses serious risks to individuals and communities. Tackling it requires strong evidence-based regulation.”

Dr Tomar said gambling could also lead to financial stress, coercive control in relationships, and worsen violence against women and their economic abuse.

“We’re pleased to see the WA Government act on a key recommendation from the Perth Casino Royal Commission. Carded play can help limit how long and how much people gamble, which is an important step in harm reduction,” she said.

Carded play requires individuals to use a registered card to access electronic gaming machines, allowing for better tracking of gambling behaviour, setting of personal limits, and early identification of harmful patterns. It also enables self-exclusion and other protective measures that are not possible with anonymous cash play.

In a joint statement last year, the RANZCP and the Royal Australasian College of Physicians urged governments to remove barriers to treatment and prioritise assessment and care of people experiencing gambling harm.

“Too many people struggle to access support, whether due to limited services or the stigma around seeking help,” Dr Tomar said. “We need to meet people where they are and offer treatments that are proven to work, delivered by trained mental health professionals and informed by lived experience.”

Psychiatrists continue to raise the alarm about online gambling, calling for full implementation of the You Win Some, You Lose More report’s recommendations, including a national ban on gambling ads.

“This is critical to address gambling’s widespread impact on mental health,” Dr Tomar said.

“Particularly online gambling, it never sleeps. It is in your pocket all day and night, unseen, unregulated, and incredibly dangerous for those already vulnerable and at the greatest risk.

“The Commonwealth Government must work with states and territories to treat rising gambling harm as a public health emergency. People need access to mental health support without being bombarded by triggering ads.

“Carded play alone is not enough. Banning ads alone is not enough, either, though it is urgently needed.

“We must also invest in treatment that is evidence-based, accessible, shaped by lived experience, and delivered by professionals who can address both gambling harm and co-occurring mental health issues. Anything less is a missed opportunity to prevent further harm,” Dr Tomar said.

For media inquiries, please contact: Dishi Gahlowt on +61 437 315 911 or email media@ranzcp.org

For all other expert mental health information visit Your Health in Mind, the RANZCP’s consumer health information website.

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.