The extent of Australia's rising gambling crisis and links to serious harms, including intimate partner violence and suicidal thoughts, have been revealed in a new report.

The National Gambling Prevalence Study Pilot found the number of Australians gambling rose eight per cent in five years, and 68 per cent of high-risk gamblers experienced cognitive, behavioural or mental health conditions.

Mark Kempster knows firsthand just how a gambling addiction can affect someone's life beyond finances.

The Tasmanian man's ten-year addiction to gambling apps in his twenties saw him lose more than one hundred thousand dollars.

"Once I had access in my pocket every day, it became so easy to make a bet and my addiction spiralled," he said.

"It's the dopamine effect...you want to chase the win.

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