Gambling participation and harm on the increase in Australia

Participation in gambling and associated harm is on the rise in Australia, according to a new report from the Australian Gambling Research Centre (AGRC) and the Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS).

Based on a 2024 pilot survey of 3,881 adults in Australia, the study reported 65.1% gambled at least once in the last year. This was 8% more than the 57% of adults that gambled when asked during a similar study in 2019.

Lottery was by far the most popular gambling product, with 52.7% taking part during 2024. Scratch tickets ranked second with a 24.5% play rate, ahead of poker machines on 19.8%. Racing betting scored 17.8% and sports betting 12.5%.

Queensland had the most gamblers, with 70.2% of surveyed adults in the state participating in some form. Western Australia was close behind with a 69.9% play rate, ahead of South Australia on 67.9%.

In terms of frequency, 31.9% of adults in Australia gambled at least monthly. Of those who were classed as “regular gamblers”, 73.8% played the lottery, 22.1% poker machines and racing betting 17.1%.

Australia sees increase in gambling harm

However, accompanying the rise in participation was higher gambling harm rates. Of those who were surveyed, 15% were classified as “at-risk” of or already experiencing some kind of harm.

Some 7.6% were seen as low risk, 4.8% at moderate risk and 2.6% high risk. Scoring was based on the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI), first used by the British Gambling Commission. PGSI asks nine questions about a player’s gambling behaviour, with scores based on their answers.

Low-risk and moderate-risk adults differed across age groups, with those aged 35 and above who gambled regularly more likely to fall into these categories. However, it was also noted players aged 18-24 were of higher risk, with 17.8% in this segment.

As for gender, 9.3% of men who gambled regularly were at high risk of harm, compared to 5.8% of women. It was also noted that 18.9% of respondents experienced some form of intimate partner violence from a partner who gambled weekly or more in 2024, in contrast to 6.8% who said their partner did not gamble regularly.

High-risk gamblers also experienced higher rates of financial hardship. Some 65.9% in this group reported financial issues, compared to 24.1% in the low-risk and 33.9% moderate-risk categories. However, for low- and moderate-risk gamblers, financial hardship was still higher than non-risk gamblers (15.5%).

Calls for improvement in harm reduction measures

AIFS Director Liz Neville said the findings highlight the need for improvements in how the country addresses gambling harm. This, she added, should include expanded monitoring of players.

“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,” Neville said. “The current harm reduction initiatives need to be carefully examined and tested in view of this evidence, with ongoing measurement making for more impactful responses over time.”

“Gambling is pervasive. We need a more robust approach to help families and communities, as well as the individuals themselves who are affected by their own gambling.”

AGRC Research Fellow Gabriel Tillman added: “We know that gambling can cause deep harm to individuals and families, profoundly impacting relationships, mental health, work and other aspects of life.

“The fact that more than three million Australian adults are experiencing harms from their gambling, and these numbers have increased in recent years despite harm-reduction measures, should concern Australians.”

 Some 65.1% of adults in Australia gambled in 2024, while 15% experienced, or were at risk of, some form of harm.