Reported gambling harm incidents in ACT poker machine venues have risen by more than 50 per cent in the past year, prompting fresh calls for the government to speed up gambling reform.

Figures released during Budget Estimates show the ACT Gambling and Racing Commission recorded 72,647 gambling harm incidents in 2025-26, up from 47,337 the previous year. The 2024-25 figure was itself almost 50 per cent higher than in 2023-24.

Independent MLA Thomas Emerson said the figures highlighted the need for stronger action to reduce gambling harm, noting the incidents equated to an average of 199 reports a day. Most involved money-seeking behaviour, such as multiple cash withdrawals, in venues with poker machine licences.

Mr Emerson said the ACT Government had consulted on restricting gambling advertising and reducing poker machine harm but had yet to introduce reforms. He urged the government to consider mandatory gaming room closures, similar to those introduced in New South Wales and Victoria, and called for a ban on political donations from the gambling industry.

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