Gambling in Australia

Gambling is an activity undertaken by many Australians. In 2022, 72.8% of Australian adults gambled within the previous 12 months (80.5% for men and 66.2% for women) and 38% of Australian adults gambled at least once per week (48% for men and 28% for women).[1] In 2017, Australians were estimated to lead the world with the highest gambling losses on a per-capita basis.[2] Australians spend more on online gambling than any other country in the world.[3]

On a per-capita basis, Australians placed gambling bets worth AUD$9,885 in financial year 2020-2021, resulting in a loss of AUD$1,200.[4] Australians cumulatively placed bets worth AUD$198 billion in this financial year, resulting in a total loss of AUD$24 billion.[4]

Total employment in the gambling industry in Australia (thousands of people) since 1984

Gambling is a significant public health issue, with around 80,000 to 160,000 (or 0.5–1.0%) of Australian adults experiencing significant problems from gambling and a further 250,000 to 350,000 (or 1.4–2.1% of adults) experiencing moderate risks that may make them vulnerable to problem gambling.[5]

  1. ^ "Gambling in Australia". Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. 7 September 2023. Retrieved 28 November 2023.
  2. ^ Bryant, Nick "Australia in thrall of gambling mania", BBC, 30 January 2007
  3. ^ "Gambling ads should be banned within three years to tackle addiction crisis, parliamentary committee says". ABC News. 27 June 2023. Retrieved 18 August 2024.
  4. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference :0 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  5. ^ "Productivity Commission Inquiry Report". pc.gov.au. Productivity Commission, Australian Government. 23 June 2010. Retrieved 22 January 2015.