The Rising Tide of Risky Gambling in Australia: A Deep Dive into the Latest Findings

Key Takeaways:

• The number of Australians gambling at risky levels has seen a significant increase.
• Online gambling is experiencing exponential growth.
• The debate over gambling advertisements and their impact, especially on minors, intensifies.

A Closer Look at Australia's Gambling Landscape

In a revealing study by the ANU’s Centre for Gambling Research, led by Dr. Aino Suomi, a concerning trend has emerged from the shadows of the pandemic: a noticeable uptick in risky gambling behavior among Australians. The comprehensive analysis, spanning from 2019 to January 2024, sheds light on changing gambling habits against the backdrop of pre, during, and post-Covid lockdowns.

Interestingly, the overall gambling participation rate took a dip during the pandemic's peak, plummeting from 65.6% in 2019 to 53.5% in 2021, attributed mainly to restricted access to gambling venues. However, as the world rebounded from the pandemic, so did Australia's gambling rates, stabilizing around 60% in the subsequent years. Yet, beneath this seeming return to normalcy lies a more disturbing reality: the proportion of Australians engaged in risky gambling has risen from 11.6% to 13.6%.

Moreover, the digital realm of gambling has seen a dramatic surge. Online gambling, as pointed out by Dr. Suomi, has grown "exponentially," a shift that has not gone unnoticed by critics and regulators alike. The proliferation of gambling ads, with their omnipresence in sporting events, on television, and online platforms, has sparked a nationwide debate on the need for stricter regulations to protect vulnerable groups, particularly minors.

Veteran anti-gambling advocate Tim Costello, representing Australia’s Alliance for Gambling Reform, captures the essence of the issue, highlighting the novel challenge parents face in explaining gambling advertisements during sporting events to their children. This normalization of gambling in everyday leisure activities has prompted calls for comprehensive reform.

In response, the Albanese government has been considering gambling ad bans, with a parliamentary committee report released in mid-2023 recommending a phased approach towards a total ban. This proposal outlines a series of progressively stricter bans, targeting inducements on social media, advertisements during school hours, gambling ads at major sporting events, and eventually, a blanket ban on all gambling ads during prime time.

However, the path to reform is fraught with resistance from powerful sporting leagues and associations, such as the NRL and AFL, which have become heavily reliant on revenue from gambling sponsorships.

Another emerging concern is the subtle introduction of gambling to children through video games, with 'loot boxes' and similar mechanisms flying under the regulatory radar. Dr. Suomi describes this as a "completely wild west situation," underscoring the urgent need for regulatory oversight in this area.

As Australia grapples with these challenges, the conversation around gambling, its impacts, and the need for stringent controls continues to evolve. The findings from the ANU’s Centre for Gambling Research serve as a critical reminder of the complexities surrounding gambling in modern society, urging a balanced approach that protects vulnerable populations while respecting individual freedoms.