ANU Finds 1 in 5 Australians Gambling at Risky Levels

A recent study by the Australian National University (ANU) exposes a paradox in Australia’s gambling landscape: overall participation is falling, yet gambling related harm is increasing, driven by rapid online adoption.

Decline in Participation, Rise in Risk
The ANUpoll survey from January 2025 reports that 58.8% of Australian adults gambled over the past year, down from 65.6% in 2019. Despite this decline, risky gambling measured via the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) nearly doubled since 2023, with 19.4% of adults now classified at risk.

Online Gambling Dominates

Digital platforms now account for the majority of gambling activity. More than half of all gamblers (56.1%) primarily engage online. Sports betting is overwhelmingly digital, with 88.5% of bets placed online, while 76.9% of race bets occur through online channels. Even restricted formats, including online pokies and casino table games, are seeing growth, showing offshore operators are bypassing domestic restrictions.

Who’s Most Vulnerable?
Certain groups are disproportionately affected by risky gambling:

• Young adults (18–24): 30% gambling at risky levels.

• Men: 23.5% at risk compared to 15% of women.

• Culturally and linguistically diverse communities: Lower participation but higher harm exposure.

• Parents and households with children: Overrepresented among those experiencing personal or secondary harm.

Psychosocial factors such as loneliness and psychological stress strongly correlate with online gambling engagement, reinforcing links between isolation and harmful digital behavior.

Wider Community Impacts
The study found 5.9% of adults reported being harmed by someone else’s gambling in the past year, particularly younger adults, unemployed individuals, and lower income households. The findings highlight gambling as a public health concern, extending harm beyond individuals to families and communities.

Policy Implications
Despite declining participation, the shift to online gambling and rising risk levels signal urgent regulatory challenges. The ANU’s findings underscore the need for enhanced online protections, targeted interventions for vulnerable demographics and broader harm reduction strategies. Regulators and operators must adapt to the evolving digital landscape to safeguard players and communities.