The AGRC conducted a study to address the issue of gambling harms prevalence in Australia’s ongoing public debate about the increase in gambling advertising across the nation. According to the Victoria Responsible Gambling Foundation, national spending on gambling advertising reached AU$287.2m in 2021, a significant increase from the AU$15.9m spent by the industry the previous year. This rise in advertising has raised concerns among policymakers, service providers, researchers, and the broader community regarding its impact on gambling behavior and the risk of harm.
To gain a better understanding and inform policy responses, the AGRC surveyed Australian adults about their participation in gambling, attitudes towards wagering advertising, the influence of advertising on their behavior, and their views on potential policy measures. The survey results revealed that gambling is widespread in Australian society, with 73% of all adults having placed a bet at least once in their life. Additionally, 38% of the population regularly engages in gambling activities at least once a week.
The most popular gambling products in Australia are lotteries, scratchcards, horse racing, sports betting, and poker machines. The survey also highlighted gender differences, indicating that men gamble more frequently, spend more money, and are more likely to be at risk of experiencing gambling harms compared to women.
Australians in general expressed concerns about the presence of excessive gambling opportunities, considering it dangerous for family life and believing that it should be discouraged. The majority of adults reported regular exposure to gambling advertising, with 78% encountering it at least once a week and 41% encountering it four times a week. The survey also revealed that young people are more likely to be exposed to gambling advertising through social media or online platforms, while those aged 55+ are more likely to encounter it through television, radio, or print media.
In terms of political attitudes, 64% of Australians surveyed believed that the government should have a more significant role in regulating wagering advertising. Many supported outright bans on gambling advertising, with 53% in favor of a watershed ban on all advertising before 10.30pm, and 47% wanting a ban on social media advertising. Additionally, 42% of respondents supported sponsorship bans.
The AGRC’s research findings can contribute to the development of regulatory and policy responses aimed at reducing gambling-related health, social, and economic harms for individuals and communities affected by gambling.
