A recent report from the Australian National University (ANU) reveals a complex scenario in Australia’s gambling sector: while fewer Australians are participating in gambling activities, the rate of gambling-associated harm is on the rise, driven by a significant shift to online platforms. The ANUpoll conducted in January 2025 indicates a decline in overall gambling participation, with only 58.8% of Australian adults partaking in gambling over the previous year, a decrease from 65.6% in 2019. However, the prevalence of risky gambling, assessed using the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI), has almost doubled since the pandemic. In 2025, 19.4% of adults admitted to gambling at risky levels, up from 11.6% in 2023.
This shift marks a pivotal moment as, for the first time, online gambling has become the primary mode of engagement for over half (56.1%) of all gamblers. Within this digital domain, sports betting is predominantly conducted online, with a striking 88.5% of bettors wagering digitally. Similarly, race betting has followed suit, with 76.9% of activities occurring online. The report sheds light on the growth of even those gambling forms that are prohibited, such as online pokies and casino table games, insinuating that offshore operators are maneuvering around Australian regulatory barriers effectively.
The demographic breakdown within the report highlights significant disparities in gambling behaviors and risks. Young adults aged 18 to 24 are most susceptible, with 30% engaging in risky gambling—the highest rate among all age groups. Furthermore, the data shows that men are more prone to risky gambling than women, with 23.5% of men gambling at risky levels compared to 15% of women. Culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities are less likely to gamble overall but are more susceptible to experiencing gambling-related harm. Additionally, households with parents and children are disproportionately represented in both risky gambling statistics and in suffering from the repercussions of others’ gambling.
Psychosocial factors have emerged as significant contributors to the escalation in online gambling, with loneliness and psychological distress strongly linked to such behaviors. This concurs with global research that ties digital play in isolation to harmful gambling practices. It was as if the digital age had unwittingly opened a gateway to new vulnerabilities, one observer mused, reflecting on the pervasive nature of technology in everyday life.
Beyond the gamblers themselves, the impact of gambling extends to others in their vicinity. The survey found that 5.9% of Australian adults had experienced harm due to someone else’s gambling in the past year. This issue is particularly acute among younger adults, the unemployed, and those from lower-income households, underscoring gambling as a broader public health concern that affects not just individuals but also households and communities.
The findings from ANU underscore a long-term downward trend in gambling participation in Australia but simultaneously highlight the burgeoning risks in the digital gambling arena. As online betting has now become the predominant form of gambling and as risky gambling reaches unprecedented levels, both regulators and operators are likely to face escalating demands to address these challenges. The industry finds itself at a crossroads, with the need to balance innovation in digital platforms with robust measures to mitigate associated risks.
While the current landscape paints a concerning picture, it also presents an opportunity for stakeholders to innovate in their approach to responsible gambling. Industry leaders might argue that technology, while being a conduit for risk, also holds the key to solutions—offering data-driven insights and personalized interventions to those at risk. On the other hand, critics may call for stricter regulations and more comprehensive public health campaigns to curb the reach and impact of gambling, especially among vulnerable populations.
Ultimately, as the digital gaming sphere continues to evolve, the challenge will be to foster an environment where technology enhances user experience without compromising safety and wellbeing. The future of gambling in Australia will likely hinge on finding this balance, ensuring that the industry remains sustainable while protecting those most at risk.
James Miller is a distinguished casino strategy expert with a wealth of experience in the gambling world. At CasinoNoDeposits.com, James focuses on crafting effective gaming strategies and providing insightful reviews to guide players towards making informed decisions. His deep understanding of casino mechanics and promotional offers makes him a valuable asset to the team. Dedicated to educating players, James ensures that every piece of content is accurate, actionable, and reader-friendly.
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