Victoria regulator launches ‘Dumb Thumb’ campaign to promote safer betting habits
Research shows that while overall participation in gambling has declined, gambling-related harm continues to increase.
Australia.- The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) has launched a new responsible gambling campaign aimed at encouraging young men to set betting limits before wagering on gambling apps. Created with The Royals, the campaign introduces “Dumb Thumb”, a fictional character representing impulsive betting behaviour driven by quick decisions made on mobile devices.
The initiative conveys the idea that features such as bonus bets and promotional offers can lead gamblers to spend more than originally intended. Through advertising across television, radio, outdoor media, social platforms and digital channels, it encourages bettors to establish limits on their spending, betting frequency and use of gambling products before placing wagers.
According to the VGCCC, the campaign was developed in response the Victorian Population Gambling and Health Study, which showed that while overall participation in gambling has declined, gambling-related harm continued to increase. The findings indicate that younger people, particularly men, are among the groups most affected.
