In a comprehensive report released by the Australian Gambling Research Centre (AGRC) in conjunction with the Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS), it was revealed that gambling participation and the associated harm have both seen significant increases across Australia. The study, based on a 2024 pilot survey involving 3,881 adults, highlights that 65.1% of respondents had gambled at least once in the previous year. This marks a notable increase from the 57% recorded in a similar study conducted in 2019.
The report also delved into the popularity of specific gambling products. The lottery emerged as the leading choice, with 52.7% of adults participating in 2024. This was followed by scratch tickets, which had a participation rate of 24.5%, and poker machines at 19.8%. Additionally, 17.8% of adults engaged in racing betting, while sports betting attracted 12.5% of participants. Regional differences were also evident, with Queensland leading in gambling activity, reporting a participation rate of 70.2%, closely followed by Western Australia at 69.9%, and South Australia at 67.9%.
The frequency of gambling was another focal point of the study. It was found that 31.9% of Australian adults gambled at least monthly. Among these regular gamblers, the lottery again dominated with a 73.8% participation rate. Poker machines and racing betting also featured prominently, with rates of 22.1% and 17.1%, respectively.
However, the increase in gambling participation has been accompanied by a concerning rise in gambling-related harm. Of those surveyed, 15% were classified as being “at-risk” of or currently experiencing harm due to their gambling activities. This vulnerability was further broken down into categories with 7.6% deemed low risk, 4.8% moderate risk, and 2.6% high risk, based on the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI). This tool, initially developed by the British Gambling Commission, evaluates gambling behaviour through a series of nine questions.
Age and gender were significant factors in the risk assessment. Adults aged 35 and over who engaged in regular gambling were more likely to fall into low and moderate-risk categories, while young adults aged 18-24 were particularly vulnerable, with 17.8% at higher risk. Additionally, the report highlighted gender disparities; 9.3% of men who gambled regularly were considered high risk, compared to 5.8% of women. Alarmingly, the survey noted that 18.9% of respondents experienced some form of intimate partner violence linked to partners who gambled weekly or more, compared to 6.8% who did not have a regularly gambling partner.
Financial hardships were prevalent among high-risk gamblers, with 65.9% of this group reporting financial difficulties. This is in stark contrast to the 24.1% in the low-risk category and 33.9% at moderate risk, yet these figures still exceeded the 15.5% reported by non-risk gamblers.
In response to these findings, there have been calls for enhanced harm reduction measures. Liz Neville, Director of the AIFS, underscored the importance of improving the country’s strategies for mitigating gambling harm. She emphasized the need for more comprehensive player monitoring and the adaptation of current harm-reduction initiatives. “This pilot study gives us a clearer picture of the scale of the issue, who is most affected, and how policy and regulation need to keep pace,” she noted, urging for an ongoing assessment to ensure the effectiveness of responses over time.
AGRC Research Fellow Gabriel Tillman added to the discourse by highlighting the profound impact of gambling on individuals and families. “We know that gambling can cause deep harm to individuals and families, profoundly impacting relationships, mental health, work, and other aspects of life,” he reflected. Tillman expressed concern over the fact that more than three million Australian adults are experiencing gambling-related harm, with numbers increasing despite existing harm-reduction measures.
Despite these concerns, there are contrasting views within the industry. Some argue that gambling is a legitimate form of entertainment that contributes economically through taxes and job creation. They contend that while harm reduction is important, it should not overshadow the benefits that a regulated gambling sector can provide to the economy.
Nevertheless, the report’s findings highlight a clear need for a balanced approach that considers both the benefits and the potential for harm. As the conversation continues, stakeholders from across the industry, public health, and community organizations are being called upon to collaborate on developing more effective solutions to support affected individuals and mitigate the risks associated with gambling.
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