New Australian Study Alleges Problem Gambling on the Rise
A new national study has indicated that problem gambling is increasing across Australia. It alleges that millions of people are now considered at risk of developing gambling-related issues.
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:The Australian Gambling Research Centre, which conducted the survey, warned that the number of adults experiencing harm from gambling has grown significantly in recent years. The study is one of the most comprehensive examinations of gambling trends in the country and highlights concerns about financial, social, and health impacts linked to betting behavior.
Related: Teen Gambling Surges in Australia as Calls for Regulation GrowThe research surveyed 3,881 Australian adults and found that overall gambling participation rose from 57% in 2019 to 65% in 2024. The most popular forms of gambling included lotteries and sports betting, both of which have shown steady growth.
While the majority of Australians reported no harm related to gambling, the study showed that a growing proportion of individuals are suffering negative consequences. This, it concluded, notes a shift in gambling's impact on the community.
Lead researcher Dr. Gabriel Tillman noted that 15% of survey respondents experienced gambling-related harm within the past year. This marks an increase from 11% in 2019. Reported harms included financial stress, borrowing money to gamble, and even skipping meals due to lack of funds. These findings underscore the widening effect that gambling is having on everyday life for a significant portion of the population.
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The study further identified high-risk gambling behaviors among regular participants. Around 7.7% of frequent gamblers fell into the high-risk category, which was associated with poor mental health outcomes, exposure to family violence, and heightened financial difficulties. The report stressed that gambling-related harm extends beyond financial loss, affecting relationships, well-being, and stability within households.
Young Australians were found to be disproportionately affected. Individuals aged between 18 and 24 were nearly twice as likely as older groups to be at high risk of gambling harm.
Researchers attributed part of this trend to the prevalence of targeted advertising, particularly during sporting events and across digital platforms. The findings suggest that the marketing strategies of betting companies may be influencing gambling behaviors in younger demographics at a concerning rate.
Australians collectively lose an estimated AU$32 billion (US$21.1 billion) each year to gambling, one of the highest per capita losses globally. However, this conclusion is controversial, as consumers also "lose" money on other forms of entertainment.
The federal government is already facing pressure to adopt recommendations from the 2023 Murphy Report, which included proposals such as a complete ban on online gambling advertising. Policymakers are now being urged to prioritize reforms aimed at reducing exposure to gambling promotion and minimizing harm across the population.
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