New research from Central Queensland University and the University of Bristol reveals that gamblers bombarded with marketing offers place significantly more bets and suffer greater harm. The study tracked 227 Australian gamblers over two weeks, finding that those who opted out of marketing placed 23% fewer bets and spent 39% less money than those exposed to promotional messages.

Participants who avoided marketing communications reported 67% fewer short-term gambling harms, including reduced distress. Dr Philip Newall, co-author and senior lecturer at Bristol, emphasized this is the first study to demonstrate a causal link between marketing exposure and gambling harm in real-world conditions. The findings directly challenge previous assumptions about marketing's impact.

The research, funded by Gambling Research Australia, comes amid growing calls for tighter regulation. Lead author Professor Matthew Rockloff stated the evidence strengthens the case for potential bans on direct gambling marketing. The study arrives as policymakers reconsider restrictions, particularly given personal accounts like that of Naman Jawaid, who spiraled into addiction after seeing promotional offers.