Australia Faces Rising Tide of Risky Gambling, ANU Study Finds

Lead author Associate Professor Aino Suomi noted that although overall gambling participation in Australia has steadily declined over the past 15 years, the recent rise in harmful gambling behaviour is a growing concern. Image Source: Shutterstock.com

According to the latest National Gambling Survey fromThe Australian National University (ANU),the number of Australians engaging in risky gambling is now at its highest point in six years.

The Australian National University Study Finds Concerning Details About Risky Gambling

Risk was assessed using the Problem Gambling Severity Index, which evaluates various negative impacts of gambling, such as spending more than one can afford to lose. In the past year, 19.4% of Australianadults reported engaging in gambling at risky levels. The report was co-authored by Dr Markus Hahn andProfessor Nicholas Biddleof ANU, and the findings are based on data from ANUpoll,a recurring survey that captures Australian public opinion.

Lead author Associate Professor Aino Suominoted that although overall gambling participation in Australia has steadily declined over the past 15 years, the recent rise in harmful gambling behaviour is a growing concern. Suomi explained that this trend has coincided with a significant surge in online gambling, which now accounts for more than half of all gambling activity in the country.

According to the professor, the shift to online platforms is accelerating the move of gambling into the home environment. Online gambling, she added, is clearly linked to riskier behaviour, increased frequency of gambling, and higher levels of psychological distress. The report warns of a deepening crisis in gambling harm in Australia, which a study from the Australian Gambling Research Centre (AGRC) seems to corroborate.

Who Is Most at Risk and What Are the Most Popular Forms of Gambling?

Suomi highlighted that the typical profile of online gamblers differs significantly from the broader gambling population. Those who gamble online are generally younger and more likely to be employed full-time with higher incomes. Men aged between 25 and 34,holding a trade certificate or diploma, employed full-time, and belonging to the highest household income bracket were found to be more likely to gamble online than the general population.

Lottery ticket purchases remain the most common form of gambling in Australia at 41.3%,followed by scratch and raffle tickets, electronic gambling machines, and race betting. Although sports betting accounted for just 7%of gambling activity, it saw a notable increase from 4.7% in 2024and had the highest rate of online participation compared to other forms of gambling.

Race betting, along with lottery and raffle ticket purchases, also showed high levels of online engagement. These trends reflect the widespread availability of legal online gambling in Australia. However, the use of illegal online products, such as pokies and casino table games, has also doubled since the previous year.