According to a recent study titled “Gambling in Australia during Covid-19” published by the AGRC, it was found that nearly one in three survey participants signed up for a new online betting account during the pandemic. The study surveyed 2,019 gamblers and also revealed that one in 20 individuals started gambling online during this time. Additionally, there was an increase in overall gambling activity, with the proportion of people gambling four times per week rising from 23% to 32%. The study further highlighted that 79% of respondents were classified as being at risk of or already experiencing gambling-related harm. This rate was notably higher compared to the rest of the country’s population, as indicated by a previous AGRC study from 2015, and exceeded the typical rate among Australian gamblers.
The survey recruited its 2,019 participants through various channels such as social media advertisements, e-news alerts, and word-of-mouth. Participants who completed the survey were entered into a draw for a AUS$200 voucher.
Brent Jackson, the CEO of Responsible Wagering Australia, questioned the reliability of the study’s results and the methodology employed. He argued that using a research pool where nearly 80% of participants are at-risk gamblers does not provide an accurate representation of gambling behavior and predisposes the survey to biased outcomes. Jackson criticized the study for its inherent bias and deemed the level of problem gambling found in the study to be questionable.
The study also involved interviews with 10 individuals specializing in gambling research, regulation, policy, and treatment. These individuals expressed concerns about the effects of reopening retail venues and some even stated a desire for them to remain closed. Jackson raised concerns about the lack of transparency regarding the identity of these participants and criticized the study for relying on the opinions of these anonymous individuals as a basis for policy evidence.
Responsible Wagering Australia emphasized the importance of fighting any increase in gambling-related harm, but stressed that this can only be achieved through responsibly conducted studies and evidence-based policy decisions. Jackson highlighted the need for rigorous, credible data in policy discussions and called for a commitment to evidence-based approaches from the government, industry, and academia.
This is not the first time that Responsible Wagering Australia has challenged studies related to gambling during the Covid-19 pandemic. In June, the organization disputed the accuracy of reports using historical consumer credit data to depict a surge in gambling during lockdown. They argued that the increase was merely a shift from retail customers to online platforms, which aligned with shifts seen in other industries heavily reliant on retail presence.
