According to The Guardian, last year around 60% of Australian adults engaged in some form of gamblingThe Guardian – Gambling in Australia Exponentially Increases# Show references. And online gambling is a big part of Australian culture. The Australian National University reported that almost 35% of Aussies participated in online gambling last year aloneGambling Law NZ – Gambling participation in Australia 2024# Show references.
So it’s great to see that more ways are being introduced for players to stay in control and gamble responsibly.
One of the most recent tools introduced for Aussies? Activity statements. These monthly summaries, now mandatory for licensed operators in Australia, show you exactly how much you’ve deposited, how much you’ve won or lost, and how long you’ve played.
But the big question is, do they actually help you gamble less? Here’s what the latest research says, and how you can use these statements to your advantage.
What Are Gambling Activity Statements?
Activity statements are part of the National Consumer Protection Framework for Online Wagering. They’re designed to give you a better picture of your gambling behaviour. Every month, Australian licensed casinos and bookmakers must send you a statement that shows:
It’s like a bank statement for your gaming! And seeing the data collated into one easy-to-read document can make it easier to see if your gaming habits are becoming a problem.
Do Activity Statements Apply to Online Casinos?
Activity statements only apply to casinos and sports betting operators who hold an Australian license.
Under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001, Australian operators aren’t allowed to offer online gambling servicesFederal Government – Interactive Gambling Act# Show references. That’s why online casino gambling is offered by offshore operators who do not hold an Australian license.
That means they don’t fall under the NCPF and are not required to provide activity statements.
Some online casino sites voluntarily provide account history or limits, but it’s not regulated.
Do Activity Statements Help Players Gamble Less?
Recent research from the Harm Reduction Journal found that almost 60% of Aussie players engage with these statements. Of those players, almost 20% said reviewing these statements led to a reduction in their gambling activitiesHarm Reduction Journal – Use and impact of government-mandated activity statements for online gambling in Australia# Show references.
Overall, the study suggests that when players actually read and understand the data, it can prompt them to rethink their gambling habits. And that’s the point of these statements. Being aware of your gambling habits can help you make better choices.
The Behavioural Economics Team of the Australian Government (BETA) has also suggested that simple tweaks, like bolded totals, red-highlighted losses, and time summaries, can make these statements even more effective for responsible gambling.
How to Use Your Activity Statement to Stay in Control
Reading your activity statement is one thing. But actually using it is another.
Here’s how you can get the most value from these statements:
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Pro Tip: Set a reminder to check your statement on the same day it arrives. Try to make one small change based on the findings of your statement.
What Else Can Help? Responsible Gambling Tools That Work
Activity statements are only one small part of the puzzle. Most top-rated online casinos should also be offering a wide range of responsible gambling tools that let you:
- Set deposit limits:
either daily, weekly, or monthly. - Receive reminders:
For example, letting you know when you’ve played for a set amount of time, so your gambling doesn’t get away from you. - Take a break:
You can choose to set a cooling-off break for a few days. - Self-exclusion:
Many sites will now let you opt into
self-exclusion programs
for longer-term control of your gambling.
What More Could Be Done?
While the stats for activity statements are positive, we believe there are still some improvements to be made that could make them even more effective:
- Make the data easier to understand:
Graphs, trends, or helpful visuals can let you spot behaviour patterns faster. - Deliver it more proactively:
Setting up automated alerts, like in-app notifications or a real-time spend warning, could improve engagement. - Customise statements by player type:
Frequent, casual, or high-risk players could receive different formats or messaging tailored to their needs. - Transparency is a great starting point, but it works best when it’s combined with education and a better design.
Conclusion
Gambling activity statements won’t stop you from placing your bet. But if you treat them like a regular financial check-in, they can give you a clear and honest snapshot of how you’re playing. This will provide you with some ideas to gamble more responsibly – and smarter.
When you combine activity statements with other responsible gambling tools, like deposit limits, play reminders, and timeouts, they can help ensure your gambling habits stay in check.
Article Sources
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