As Melbourne Cup Day approaches, the conversation around national betting habits is once again in the spotlight. While many Australians join in the annual festivities, local community members and advocates are highlighting the sharp contrast between casual tradition and systemic harm.

I’m not ‘nup to the Cup’ as we approach Melbourne Cup Day, I have always enjoyed the occasion. However, it’s important to recognise that once-a-year gambling is far different to a hidden addiction that drives a wedge, creating an unsafe and unhealthy relationship, which I hear about in our community.

This distinct shift from social tradition to hidden addiction is supported by new research released by the Australian Gambling Research Centre (AGRC) at the Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS).

The qualitative study, based on in-depth interviews with 30 regular Australian gamblers aged 18 to 65+, reveals how deeply embedded gambling is in the national culture – and how quickly it can become a source of escape when personal crisis strikes. Two-thirds of the participants interviewed were classified as high-risk gamblers.

A Normalised Pastime

The report highlights that for many Australians, exposure to gambling begins in early childhood. Far from starting as a deliberate risk, gambling is routinely experienced as a normal, socially accepted part of everyday life. Participants described growing up with family trips to local pubs and clubs, watching relatives place bets, sharing tips with friends, and absorbing constant gambling promotions through sports broadcasts and digital platforms.

Together, these early cultural touchpoints establish gambling as a standard leisure activity long before any potential for harm is recognised.

The Turning Point: Crisis and Escape

However, the research shows that the fundamental role gambling plays in a person’s life often shifts dramatically during periods of stress, loss, and emotional upheaval.

Dr Kei Sakata, Theme Head at AIFS, explained that major life events – such as grief, relationship breakdowns, loneliness, and severe life stress – frequently act as turning points.

“For many, gambling shifted from a form of recreation to a coping mechanism,” Dr Sakata said. “Understanding this shows where harm can emerge and why support and prevention efforts need to reflect the realities of people’s lives.”

Dr Gabi Byrne, who draws on her own lived experience of gambling harm, echoed these findings. “Like many people, I believed gambling was just a harmless form of entertainment,” Dr Byrne reflected. “Looking back, I can see that the impact developed gradually and was difficult to recognise at the time. It demonstrates that gambling harm can affect anyone.”

The Illusion of Control

A key finding of the report is the widespread belief among gamblers that they can manage their behaviour through self-imposed rules, such as using cash only, setting spending limits, or relying on personal judgement.

Dr Sakata noted that these perceptions of control often mask real damage.

Participants frequently reported experiencing financial strain and relationship distress while simultaneously believing they were gambling responsibly because they followed self-set boundaries. This disconnect often prevents individuals from recognising harm or seeking early help.

Early Education and Shared Responsibility

Looking back, many participants reflected that greater transparency regarding odds, risks, and potential harms earlier in life might have altered their choices. They advocated for honest conversations and education starting well before the legal gambling age to equip young people with a realistic understanding of how gambling works.

The findings emphasise that preventing gambling harm is not merely an individual duty, but a shared community responsibility requiring compassionate support, early intervention, and long-term education across every stage of life.