Gambling and Pokies Statistics in Australia: 2022-2023 Figures

Gambling is a popular pastime in Australia, with a wide range of options available, from pokies and casinos to sports betting and lotteries. However, gambling also carries potential risks, such as addiction and financial strain. This blog post will examine the current gambling statistics in Australia, exploring the industry’s size, trends, and impact on the nation.

Category	Statistic
Total gambling expenditure (2019-2020)	AUD 25.1 billion
Adult gambling participation rate	47%
Severe problem gamblers	1% of the adult population
Moderate-risk gamblers	3% of the adult population
Male gambling participation rate	52%
Female gambling participation rate	42%

Overview of Gambling in Australia

• The size of the gambling industry
• Types of gambling
• Gambling participation rates
• Problem gambling prevalence

The Size of the Gambling Industry

Australia has one of the highest gambling expenditure rates per capita in the world. In 2019-2020, the total gambling expenditure reached approximately AUD 25.1 billion, which translates to about AUD 1,240 per adult. The industry has grown steadily over the past two decades, with occasional fluctuations due to economic conditions or regulatory changes.

Types of Gambling

There are various forms of gambling in Australia, including:

• Electronic gaming machines (pokies)
• Casinos
• Sports betting
• Lotteries and scratch cards
• Online gambling

Gambling Participation Rates

According to the Australian Gambling Research Centre (AGRC), around 47% of Australian adults engage in some form of gambling each year. The most popular form of gambling is the lottery, with a participation rate of 37%. Electronic gaming machines (pokies) and sports betting are also widely popular, with participation rates of 14% and 9%, respectively.

Problem Gambling Prevalence

Problem gambling is a significant concern in Australia, affecting both individuals and their families. It is estimated that 1% of the adult population (approximately 200,000 people) experience severe gambling problems, while another 3% are classified as moderate-risk gamblers.

Gambling Trends and Demographics

• Gender differences in gambling participation
• Age distribution of gamblers
• Socioeconomic factors

Gender Differences in Gambling Participation

There are notable differences in gambling behavior between men and women. Men tend to have higher overall gambling participation rates, at 52%, compared to 42% for women. Men are also more likely to engage in sports betting and casino table games, while women are more likely to play lottery games and electronic gaming machines.

Age Distribution of Gamblers

Gambling participation rates vary across different age groups. In general, younger adults (aged 18-34) have lower gambling participation rates compared to older age groups. However, younger adults are more likely to engage in sports betting and online gambling, which are growing in popularity.

Socioeconomic Factors

Gambling behavior is influenced by various socioeconomic factors, such as income, education, and employment status. Lower-income individuals tend to have higher gambling participation rates and spend more on gambling relative to their income. Additionally, people with lower levels of education and those who are unemployed or underemployed are more likely to experience gambling-related problems.

The Impact of Gambling on Australian Society

• Economic benefits and costs
• Social consequences of gambling
• Mental health and problem gambling

Economic Benefits and Costs

The gambling industry contributes significantly to the Australian economy, generating substantial revenue for both the private sector and government through taxes and levies. In addition, gambling-related tourism and employment opportunities provide further economic benefits.

However, gambling also imposes costs on society, including increased public health expenses, social welfare costs, and reduced workforce productivity due to problem gambling.

Social Consequences of Gambling

Problem gambling can lead to a range of social consequences, such as relationship breakdowns, domestic violence, and child neglect. It can also contribute to increased crime rates, as individuals struggling with gambling addiction may resort to illegal activities to fund their habit or pay off gambling debts.

Mental Health and Problem Gambling

Problem gambling is often associated with mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and substance abuse disorders. Moreover, individuals experiencing gambling-related problems may be at higher risk of suicidal ideation and attempts. Providing adequate support and treatment for problem gamblers is crucial to addressing these mental health concerns and reducing the overall impact of gambling on Australian society.

Strategies to Address Problem Gambling

• Responsible gambling initiatives
• Government regulations and policy
• Support and treatment services

Responsible Gambling Initiatives

Responsible gambling initiatives aim to minimize the risks associated with gambling while maximizing its potential benefits. These initiatives include providing information and education on responsible gambling, setting limits on gambling expenditure and time, and promoting self-exclusion programs for individuals who wish to restrict their access to gambling venues or activities.

Government Regulations and Policy

The Australian government and state/territory governments play a significant role in regulating the gambling industry and implementing policies to address problem gambling. Key regulatory measures include licensing and taxation of gambling operators, restrictions on advertising and promotion of gambling activities, and requirements for the provision of responsible gambling measures by operators.

Support and Treatment Services

Support and treatment services for problem gamblers and their families are essential to mitigating the negative impacts of gambling on individuals and society. These services include counseling, therapy, financial advice, and self-help groups, which can help individuals overcome their gambling problems and regain control of their lives.

In conclusion, gambling is a popular pastime in Australia with significant economic benefits, but it also comes with potential risks and negative consequences for individuals and society. By understanding the current gambling statistics and trends, promoting responsible gambling initiatives, and providing support and treatment services for those affected by problem gambling, Australia can continue to enjoy the benefits of the gambling industry while minimizing its negative impacts.

FAQs

What is the total gambling expenditure in Australia? In 2019-2020, the total gambling expenditure in Australia reached approximately AUD 25.1 billion, or about AUD 1,240 per adult.

How many Australian adults participate in gambling? Around 47% of Australian adults engage in some form of gambling each year.

What is the prevalence of problem gambling in Australia? A: It is estimated that 1% of the adult population experiences severe gambling problems, while another 3% are classified as moderate-risk gamblers.

How does gambling participation differ between men and women? Men have higher overall gambling participation rates (52%) than women (42%). Men are more likely to engage in sports betting and casino table games, while women are more likely to play lottery games and electronic gaming machines.

What are the economic benefits and costs of gambling in Australia? The gambling industry generates substantial revenue for the private sector and government through taxes and levies, and provides employment opportunities and tourism benefits. However, gambling also imposes costs on society, such as increased public health expenses, social welfare costs, and reduced workforce productivity due to problem gambling.