A recent study has brought to light a considerable rise in online gambling among Australians, underscoring both the increase in participation and the potential risks involved. The Australian National University’s (ANU) Centre for Gambling Research has unveiled data that provides a detailed view of the current state of gambling in Australia.
Changes in Gambling Patterns Post-Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly altered many aspects of life, including gambling behaviours. The ANU report highlights that gambling activity surged during the pandemic and has now settled into a “new normal.”
Currently, about 60% of Australian adults are engaged in gambling activities, up from approximately 50% during the pandemic period.
Insights into Gambling Participation
Before the pandemic, gambling participation was around 65.6%. This figure saw a slight decline to 61.3% post-pandemic and has recently stabilised at 60.3%. However, the number of people engaging in riskier forms of gambling has increased, rising from 11.6% last year to 13.6% in 2024.
The Rise of Online Gambling
A significant trend noted in the ANU report is the dramatic increase in online gambling. Over the past year, 33.4% of survey respondents reported placing bets online, with sports and racing bets being particularly popular.
Dr Aino Suomi, director of the ANU Gambling Research Centre, noted that “online gambling has surged and should now be considered a primary gambling platform.”
Risks of Unregulated Online Gambling
The report raises concerns about the dangers of unrestricted access to online gambling. “The potential for harm from unlimited online gambling access is significant if not properly managed,” warned Dr Suomi. Data collected between April 2019 and January 2024 emphasises the necessity for regulatory measures to address these risks.
Effects on Vulnerable Groups
Gambling impacts not only the gamblers themselves but also those around them. The study found that approximately 1.2 million adults were personally affected by someone else’s gambling in the past year. Those most affected tended to be younger (ages 18-24), have lower incomes, and often face gambling issues or psychological distress.
Advertising and Policy Reforms
The media is inundated with gambling advertisements, with over a million ads broadcast on free-to-air television and radio in Australia in the past year alone. This surge has amplified demands for stricter gambling regulations.
A parliamentary committee report led by the late Labor MP Peta Murphy suggested a gradual ban on online gambling advertising over three years. The proposed measures include limiting social media inducements, banning ads during specific times, and ultimately prohibiting all online gambling advertisements and sponsorships.
Government’s Position on Gambling Reforms
The Albanese government has not yet committed to the recommended reforms but has not dismissed them either. Communications Minister Michelle Rowland has indicated that the government is exploring the best approach and will “announce a comprehensive response to the parliamentary inquiry in due course.”
Conclusion: More Trends
The latest Australian gambling statistics highlight significant trends and emerging challenges in the gambling landscape. With the notable rise in online gambling and its associated risks, effective regulatory measures are essential.
Policymakers must prioritise the safety and well-being of all Australians, particularly those most vulnerable, as they address these evolving gambling behaviours.
