GPs gain new tool to address gambling-related harm
07 Sep 2026
Gambling is a major public health and policy issue in Australia. Australians spend more money per person on gambling than people in any other country, while average gambling losses are around $1500 per person each year.
GPs often see the effects of gambling-related harm, including its impact on patients’ families, friends and colleagues. The effects can be greater for people living in disadvantaged communities, where even small financial losses can affect essential household needs.
Dr Tim Senior, Chair of RACGP Specific Interests Poverty and Health, said gambling-related harm may affect people across all parts of the community, but financial losses can have a greater impact on people with fewer financial resources.
Gambling was added to the mental health chapter of the 10th edition of the RACGP Red Book in 2024. The guidance includes recommendations on when GPs should consider asking patients about gambling.
GPs now have another resource with the launch of a new Gambling-Related Harm CPD learning module. The 30-minute course uses a progressive case scenario to guide participants through evidence-based approaches to identifying and managing gambling-related harm.
Patients may present with physical or psychological symptoms without mentioning gambling as the underlying issue. The course helps GPs recognise clinical features and risk factors that may indicate the need to explore gambling-related harm.
The module covers practical approaches to screening, having sensitive conversations, assessing risk and referring patients to appropriate support. It also promotes a patient-centred approach to management.
Associate Professor Caroline Johnson, a member of the RACGP Expert Committee – Quality Care and former Red Book chapter lead, said the course provides additional resources beyond the guidance in the Red Book.
She said GPs cannot screen every patient for every health risk during every consultation, but specific questions about gambling can be considered when clinical circumstances suggest they may be needed.
Dr Johnson also said gambling can be difficult to discuss, particularly when a strong clinical relationship has not yet been established. Patients may not readily disclose gambling-related harm, making practical questions and prompts useful for starting these conversations.
Dr Senior said some patients present with other health concerns that may be linked to gambling-related harm. Asking directly about gambling can help GPs identify problems that might otherwise remain hidden.
He said gambling-related harm may also occur alongside mental health conditions or other forms of addiction.
The new course comes as Australia continues to address the wider harms linked to gambling. The Federal Government has described gambling as a major public policy issue.
New laws are also due to take effect from 1 January, including restrictions on betting advertising during live sports and in sports venues, a ban on direct marketing to at-risk customers and stronger action against illegal gambling services.
Dr Johnson said the new course gives GPs an opportunity to build their skills and use gambling-specific questions alongside motivational interviewing techniques that can support behavioural change.
She said GPs can make a significant difference by recognising when gambling has become a serious health issue and helping patients find appropriate support.
GPs gain new tool to address gambling-related harm
Source: RACGP newsGP / RACGP MyCPD