Whether the benefits or costs of gambling are measured, governments must allocate public resources to protect society. In Australia, governments have spent $52 million in 2014-15 to provide gambling services to Australian citizens. Gambling can affect anyone. However, research has shown that the benefits of gambling are not always as positive as the costs. Small businesses can be negatively affected, especially in terms of staff retention and productivity, shop rents and operating costs. However, government officials are committed to protecting the public from the harmful effects of gambling.
Gambling has a broad range of impacts on the environment, individual and community.