The rate of high risk gambling is increasing in Australia, according to new data.
High risk gambling is associated with negative behaviours and consequences that are harmful to participants.
The Australian National University’s (ANU) Centre for Gambling Research found that the rate of high risk gambling in Australia has increased to nearly 14%, surpassing pre-pandemic levels.
Gambling habits are also shifting towards online platforms, particularly for racing and sports betting.
Background
Around three-quarters of Australian adults reported gambling on one or more products in a 12-month period, according to a 2022 survey by the Australian Gambling Research Centre.
Gambling products include lottery tickets, poker machines, and sports betting.
Nearly 25% of people who reported their gambling habits said they gambled on six or more products in the past 12 months.
Men had higher gambling rates than women across every type of gambling.
High risk gambling in Australia
ANU conducted longitudinal research on gambling from 2019 to 2024.
It found that the rate of Australians gambling overall decreased during the 2020/2021 pandemic.
The latest data from January 2024 shows that 13.7% of Australians partake in high risk gambling, slightly above pre-pandemic levels (0.1% higher than April 2019).
“The number of individuals gambling at risky levels increased… This means a larger proportion of individuals who gamble are experiencing harm.”
ANU lead author Dr Aino Suomi
Gambling types
According to ANU’s report, lotteries were the most popular gambling product.
Nearly half (47%) of Australians are estimated to have participated in lotteries, followed by raffle tickets (23%), and scratch tickets (16%). Betting on sports and races saw the largest proportion of online bling.
Dr Suomi said: “The unlimited access to online gambling has the potential to cause real harm if not properly addressed.”
Gambling harm
Researchers found that 5.3% of Australian adults are affected by another person’s gambling — around 1.2 million people.
This can include psychological distress, financial difficulties, and strain on relationships.
ANU researchers are calling for more data on people impacted by gambling in order to inform and improve support.
Gambling helpline: 1800 858 858