Victorian gambling regulator’s “Dumb Thumb” campaign begins
The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) has launched a new public awareness campaign encouraging sports bettors to set limits before gambling, warning that betting apps can make it easier to wager more than intended.
Dubbed “Dumb Thumb”, the campaign targets people considered at low to moderate risk of gambling harm and centres on the idea that the convenience of mobile betting can sometimes lead to impulsive gambling.
VGCCC Chief Executive Officer Suzy Neilan said the campaign comes at a time when sports betting continues to grow in popularity, particularly among younger Australians.
“Aussies live for sport, and we’re being spoiled for choice right now,” Neilan said.
“That’s why it’s crucial people who choose to gamble on sport understand how gambling apps work and use practical steps like setting limits to help beat Dumb Thumb.”
As part of the campaign, the regulator is promoting three guidelines designed to reduce the risk of gambling harm:
- Spend no more than 2% of your take-home pay on gambling.
- Gamble no more than once a week.
- Stick to no more than two types of gambling.
According to the VGCCC, sports wagering continues to be one of Australia’s fastest-growing gambling sectors, with one in four men aged between 18 and 34 partaking regularly. Of those, just over a quarter report experiencing at least one form of gambling related harm.
The regulator identifies seven common types of gambling harm, including financial problems, relationship difficulties, emotional or psychological distress, health issues, work or study problems, cultural impacts and criminal activity.
Victorians spend more than $7 billion each year on gambling, including around $2.6 billion on wagering and sports betting products, according to the commission. Neilan said setting betting limits should become as routine as wearing a seatbelt.
“This is about safety. Setting a limit is like putting on a seatbelt as soon as you get in the car,” she said.
“Limits can reduce the likelihood of you experiencing gambling harm.”
While the campaign encourages individuals to take greater responsibility for their gambling habits, the VGCCC said wagering operators must also meet their legal obligations.
Since 2022, the regulator has taken disciplinary action against six wagering providers on 12 occasions, including issuing Tabcorp with a $4.6 million fine for repeated breaches of its Responsible Gambling Code of Conduct and licence conditions. It has also prosecuted five wagering operators in the Magistrates’ Court, resulting in total fines of $349,000.
“We have no tolerance for deliberate or opportunistic contraventions of the law and will not hesitate to take appropriate action when we detect a breach,” Neilan said.
The Dumb Thumb campaign is now running across Victoria through television, radio, outdoor advertising and social media. The VGCCC is also encouraging members of the public to report concerns about wagering operators through its website or tip-off hotline.
