Gambling In Australia During COVID-19

The global COVID-19 pandemic and associated authorities restrictions led to changes within the availability of gambling in Australia, with land-based playing venues quickly closed and major national and international sporting codes suspended. To know how individuals adjusted to those modifications in playing availability we surveyed over 2,000 people who gamble from across Australia throughout June-July 2020, and spoke with key experts who work in playing research, regulation, coverage and therapy. We wanted to study more about the kinds of products folks gambled on before and during COVID-19 (e.g. sports activities, racing, pokies), and the way individuals's playing participation, alcohol consumption and well being and wellbeing had been affected. Findings from the examine will assist to tell the event and implementation of coverage and apply responses to forestall and scale back gambling-associated harms in Australia.

Key messages

- Almost 1 in 3 survey contributors signed up for a new on-line betting account during COVID-19, and 1 in 20 began playing on-line.

- Even with limited entry to venues, overall, participants gambled more usually throughout COVID-19. The proportion who gambled 4 or more occasions a week increased from 23% to 32%.

- Horse racing, sports betting, greyhound racing and lotto were the primary merchandise that individuals gambled on earlier than and through COVID-19.

- Of concern, 79% of participants were categorized as being at risk of, or already experiencing, playing-related harm.

- Young men (aged 18-34 years) were the sub-inhabitants most likely to enroll for brand new online accounts, to extend their frequency and monthly spending on playing (from $687 to $1,075), and to be susceptible to playing-related hurt.

- Key specialists noted that the temporary closure of pokies venues had had quick advantages for some individuals who gamble, together with more money for important items and elevated financial savings.

- Around half of the survey members reported that their bodily and/or psychological health had been negatively affected during COVID-19.

- Survey participants and key specialists really useful a spread of initiatives to minimise playing-related harm in the community, including a reduction within the availability and marketing of gambling products and the implementation of strong client safety measures.

What we did

Our Gambling in Australia throughout COVID-19 examine concerned two phases of knowledge assortment:

1. a web based survey of 2,019 people who gambled (customers), recruited by way of social media commercials, e-information alerts and phrase of mouth
2. phone and video interviews with 10 people who worked in gambling analysis, regulation, coverage and remedy (key specialists).
The web survey was accessible for completion between 10 June and 31 July 2020. Survey contributors were aged 18 years or over, lived in Australia, and had gambled up to now 12 months. The survey took around quarter-hour to finish. People may select to go right into a draw for a $200 voucher to be awarded to 5 randomly selected participants. Key knowledgeable interviews were carried out during July-August 2020.

Who we surveyed

A total of 2,019 individuals from across Australia accomplished the survey. Around three-quarters have been male (73%) with a mean age of 38 years (median 29 years; vary 18-84). The sample characteristics are summarised in Table 1.

What individuals instructed us about their playing

Most individuals (79%) reported having spent cash on playing a minimum of as soon as a week in the course of the past 12 months, and just below one-third (30%) reported playing 4+ times per week throughout that point. Participants first gambled with actual cash after they have been aged round 18 years (median 18, imply 20), but one in 5 (20%) first gambled when they were underage (
Which products did individuals gamble on?

Figure 1 shows which playing products participants reported spending cash on (out of an inventory of 18 totally different merchandise) in: (i) the 30 days earlier than the COVID-19 restrictions (i.e. February 2020/earlier than COVID-19); and (ii) in the 30 days prior to finishing the survey (i.e. May-July 2020/during COVID-19).

Figure 1: Proportion (%) who gambled on each product earlier than and during COVID-19 (n = 2,019)

Participants gambled on roughly three different merchandise before COVID-19 (imply = 2.9, median = 3, vary 0-16) and two different merchandise during COVID-19 (mean = 2.5, median = 2, range 0-18). Around 3.6% (n = 73) of members reported that they did not gamble earlier than COVID-19, and 7.9% (n = 159) didn't gamble throughout COVID-19.

In each time periods, the main merchandise that people gambled on were horse racing (before 57%, during 57%), sports activities (earlier than 46%, during 45%), lotto (before 41%, during 38%) and greyhound racing (before 35%, throughout 37%). Around one-third of individuals also used or played online electronic video games before (32%) or during COVID-19 (36%).

In general, while participation in racing, sports activities and other wagering activities remained comparatively stable, there have been statistically important decreases in playing on most land-primarily based merchandise during the restrictions, together with:

- poker/digital gambling machines or 'pokies' (earlier than 35%, during 14%)
- on the spot scratch tickets (before 13%, during 10%)
- keno (earlier than 12%, during 6%)
- casino table games (before 10%, throughout 3%).
As with racing, participation in sports activities betting remained stable general, with the 2 main sporting leagues in Australia - the Australian Football League (AFL) and the National Rugby League (NRL) - resuming competitors during the info collection period (with condensed seasons and video games performed all through the week). We observed statistically significant increases in betting on these codes during COVID-19 (AFL elevated 31% to 35%; NRL 22% to 25%). These increases had been offset by statistically significant decreases in other national and international sports that remained suspended or out of season (e.g. basketball 19% to 5%; cricket 10% to 2%; American football/NFL 7% to 2%; and tennis 6% to 2%).

Participant responses to the open textual content questions within the survey provided further context about how they tailored to changes in the availability of playing in Australia.

A gambler like me will all the time modify. Can't go to [casino] to play poker, then just find an unlawful site to play online. Can't bet on the sports I often do, just wager on other sports activities which are nonetheless on. (Consumer, Male, 46)

I found that due to being so bored in isolation that my buddies and I'd put stupid bets on horses/dogs/overseas sport with little to no information of the sport just to get a thrill out of it. This hit all of us fairly exhausting financially. (Consumer, Male, 18)

No sport for a little while meant I ended up betting on weather markets or e-Sports and then looked at myself and stated what the hell am I doing. (Consumer, Male, 25)

Being in Melbourne [Vic.] we haven't had entry to a [pokies] venue since March so my financial savings account has by no means seen so much cash. I have discovered myself having little online $5, $10 bets with for AFL & NRL more than I did earlier than COVID. (Consumer, Female, 38)

Since TABs have been closed throughout COVID-19 my playing has stopped and I've managed to get some sanity and order in my life. (Consumer, Male, 55)

How often did people gamble?

Participants reported their frequency of gambling for particular person products (e.g. once per week on lotto, 2-three times a week on sports). If folks gambled on a number of products, we used their highest frequency for an individual product (e.g. 2-three occasions per week on sports) to estimate their frequency of gambling in the 30-day period1 (for before and during COVID-19).

Overall, there was a statistically vital increase within the frequency of (any) gambling during COVID-19. The proportion of participants who gambled a minimum of as soon as per week elevated from 79% to 83%, and the proportion who gambled 4+ instances per week elevated from 23% to 32% (Figure 2).

We observed some gender and age variations, with males and younger people (aged 18-34 years) significantly more likely to extend their frequency of gambling throughout COVID-19 (particularly at the most frequent class of 4+ instances per week).

Figure 2: Overall playing frequency before and during COVID-19

Statistically significant changes in the frequency of playing on individual merchandise have been additionally discovered. Increases for all types of racing (horse, greyhound and harness), sports activities, e-Sports, lotto, and on line casino table games were observed, with most of these merchandise accessible on-line (some through unregulated, offshore operators). Frequency of gambling on pokies decreased considerably throughout the restrictions, with land-based mostly venues temporarily closed in most jurisdictions.

I have been pondering to myself that COVID has accelerated my gambling and that of my associates. Every weekend we share our bets for each sport of the day and focus on them as they occur. As silly as it sounds, it's introduced us closer considerably, a distraction and one thing to do - but all of my friendship group have accelerated gambling and some have began for the primary time throughout COVID. (Consumer, Male, 27)

I turned 18 throughout lockdown and spent plenty of isolation time gambling. (Consumer, Male, 18)

I've definitely gambled extra. I'm not an enormous gambler in any respect, but I broke my rule during COVID (to never obtain an internet betting account), given TABs were inaccessible. I have bet more on impulse consequently, despite the fact that the online amount is kind of low. (Consumer, Male, 28)

I used to gamble far more. Don't assume I'll use poker machines again - too risky. Will proceed to purchase Tattslotto weekly and other days when there's a Jackpot. (Consumer, Female, 72)

How a lot did folks spend?

We estimated individuals' median expenditure on playing (within the 30 days earlier than and through COVID-19) by multiplying their spend on a typical day by their frequency of playing.2 Overall, median expenditure decreased from $500 within the 30 days before COVID-19 to $460 throughout COVID-19, however this decrease was not statistically important.

Figure 3: Median previous-month expenditure ($) earlier than and during COVID-19

While there were no total differences in typical median expenditure on gambling during the two time intervals, statistically significant gender and age variations have been noticed (Figure 3).

- Male contributors increased total spending, whereas females reduced their spending.
- Young people aged 18-34 years elevated overall spending, while older age groups decreased spending.
- The biggest increase in expenditure throughout COVID-19 was amongst young males aged 18-34 years ($687 to $1,075).
Some differences in typical expenditure on individual merchandise had been also discovered. Among contributors who spent money on a product in each time durations (e.g. they gambled on horse racing before and through COVID-19), statistically significant increases in spending (in a typical day) were found for horse racing, greyhound racing, sports, e-Sports, loot containers and lotto.

Gambling is so easy to do wherever any time and it would not really feel like you're spending actual money when you're in a position to do it over your telephone. You spend less at the pub betting because you may see and feel the money and are more reluctant to wager it. Over your cellphone you can't see the cash and it's method too straightforward to get carried away and continue betting when you must stop. (Consumer, Male, 28)

I've spent a little extra mainly because I've a a lot bigger amount of disposable earnings attributable to lockdown. (Consumer, Male, 26)

I love a flutter, but I haven't missed it in any respect. My financial institution stability is loads healthier too, which I love. (Consumer, Female, 54)

How did individuals gamble?

We asked members roughly what proportion of their gambling was completed through different modes (e.g. online, at a pokies venue) earlier than and during COVID-19.

On common, earlier than COVID-19, 62% of members' playing was performed on-line; during COVID-19, this increased to 78%. With limited opportunities for land-primarily based gambling during COVID-19, we noticed a statistically significant lower in the typical proportion of participants' gambling performed at a pokies venue, membership or pub (from 23% to 8%) and at a on line casino (from 4% to 1%). The average proportion of individuals' gambling at different land-based mostly venues (e.g. racetrack, TAB/UBET outlet or newsagent) elevated slightly from 11% to 13% (Figure 4).

Figure 4: Average proportion of playing by way of completely different modes

Around one in 20 individuals (5.1%; n = 93) shifted from utilizing solely land-based modes (before COVID-19) to utilizing online modes during COVID-19. Half (52%) of the contributors who began gambling online had been female, with a median age of 46 years (median 51 years).

We also requested about on-line betting accounts and located that more than three-quarters (77%; n = 1,562) of members had a minimum of one energetic online account on the time of the survey (imply = 3.3, median = 2), and round one in three (30%; n = 605) had signed up for a new online account/s during COVID-19 (5% or n = a hundred participants didn't have an energetic online account prior to this). Young males aged 18-34 years had been the more than likely sub-inhabitants to sign up for brand new accounts (n = 480, 79% of latest account holders).

It is far too accessible, and simple to open a brand new account. I did it this week and it took actually forty five seconds to create and deposit. (Consumer, Male, 28)

I played online pokies for the primary time as I wasn't in a position to in particular person. I by no means knew how accessible it was, and I was hooked for a number of days spending more than I usually do. In particular person it is simple to walk away from and perhaps seize one other drink and enjoy the venue. During COVID, I discovered myself playing throughout work hours and while working. (Consumer, Male, 22)

Downloaded an account due to boredom and no accessibility to TAB machines. Now have more random bets than I'd with out an account. (Consumer, Male, 22)

I had by no means gambled online earlier to COVID-19, I had issues with gambling coming into this pandemic and before I knew it I had justified to myself to gamble at dwelling online. (Consumer, Male, 30)

Definitely have put more into racing on mobile tab since COVID has shut down bingos and pokies. (Consumer, Female, 59)

Key experts also provided insights and views on how the COVID-19 world pandemic and ensuing authorities restrictions had impacted the gambling environment in Australia, and how these changes had affected people's gambling behaviours and expertise of harms.

Key experts typically described two broad teams of clients who they labored with prior to the COVID-19 restrictions:

1. a youthful demographic who mostly bet or wagered on-line (e.g. on sports activities, racing)
2. a barely older group of people who mainly gambled at land-based venues (e.g. pokies venues, TABs, lotto).
Most key consultants discussed the non permanent closure of pokies venues and casinos and the 'compelled break' from gambling that many people experienced as being beneficial for their purchasers. While a number of key consultants famous that that they had not (up to now) noticed massive shifts from land-based mostly gambling (e.g. on pokies or TABs) to online modes, there was a concern that consumers at higher danger of gambling-associated harm would possibly shift to online gambling the place larger sums of money could possibly be misplaced in a short time, or that people would possibly transfer to offshore (and unregulated) gambling websites to gamble on pokies or different 'casino type' games.

With most main sporting codes suspended early within the pandemic, key experts believed that consumers who gambled online before COVID-19 had been prone to be playing on racing (if not already doing so), minor worldwide sports activities or 'novelty' kind actions (corresponding to actuality Tv). Key experts famous that wagering operators have been offering a range of recent promotions and gives to strive to draw new clients, and that they anticipated massive increases in on-line spending with the easing of restrictions and the return of major sports activities.

A lot of people can have accounts with multiple operator and the percentages and promotions are a little more generous for the time being, because all the operators are all looking to attract new prospects. (Key skilled)

With sports activities like NRL and AFL restarting and some individuals having a bit extra time on their palms and probably entry to stimulus packages or other discretionary money, I'm imagining that they are placing a fair whack of cash on in the meanwhile. (Key skilled)

1 This is the members' minimal frequency of playing and may be an underestimate for people who gambled on multiple merchandise. For instance, a person may gamble on lotto 'as soon as every week' and sports activities 'once every week', however we don't know in the event that they gambled on these merchandise on the same or totally different days (e.g. both on a Saturday, or lotto on a Saturday and sports on a Wednesday). In our evaluation, these individuals are coded as 'once per week' (as a minimum) but their total frequency of playing could possibly be two days per week.

2 For every product, for example, sports activities, we multiplied the individuals' reported expenditure in a typical day within the 30-day interval (e.g. $50 spent on sports activities in a typical day) by their frequency of gambling on sports activities during that point (e.g. once a week, or four days in a month), to estimate their whole expenditure of $200 on sports activities in that 30-day period. We then summed expenditure on individual products (e.g. sports activities and lotto) to estimate total expenditure for every participant.

What impacts did playing have on people?

We assessed playing-associated problems among survey participants via the problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI). The PGSI provides a measure of at-risk behaviour in problem gambling throughout the earlier 12 month period; as such, we were not able discover changes earlier than and through COVID-19.

Findings from the PGSI suggest that almost 4 in 5 individuals (79%) could be classified as being vulnerable to, or already experiencing, some playing-associated hurt within the earlier 12 months. When examined by PGSI threat level, 19% of the sample would be labeled as low danger, 31% at reasonable danger, and 30% as experiencing problem gambling.

Among this sample, males were significantly more doubtless than females to be categorised as being at any risk of playing-related issues (84% compared to 67%), and young people aged 18-34 years were extra prone to be at risk (90%), in comparison with these aged 35-54 years (71%) and 55 years and over (63%). Figure 5 reveals the PGSI risk classes by age group.

Figure 5: PGSI classes by age group (n = 2,019)

Participant responses to the open text questions supplied further context about how the restrictions had affected their playing behaviour and impacted their well being, relationships and funds.

I'm shocked how much it's affected my mental health not too long ago. I'm rather more harassed, anxious and deceitful. I've realised now how a lot I've changed simply from playing. I'm far less social. I think realising this stuff has made me wish to stop. (Consumer, Male, 30)

Isolation and accessibility is very harmful. Whenever I'm bored my finger automatically opens the app now ... I had gambling, I guess, underneath management, I knew my limits, now I can not stop. (Consumer, Male, 23)

I have spent a substantial amount more since COVID-19 lockdowns and have had to suspend my bank account to limit myself from depositing. Even setting deposit limits on an account doesn't work, as you possibly can simply go open another account with any number of bookies when there's one thing you need to get on when you are chasing losses. Being at house all day was boring and all I did was put the racing channel on and have a bet. It has taken an enormous toll financially. (Consumer, Male, 21)

COVID has made me 10x worse and that i now worry for my well being as a result of while all the things has stopped, playing remains to be open for everyone and with all this time on my hands and no actual income it has grow to be a approach to try to make more money. (Consumer, Male, 27)

I really loved the break from pokies but have been back to the exact same patterns. I'll endeavour not to go back to a venue once more as a result of once inside I don't have any management. (Consumer, Female, 48)

Key experts also commented on how folks had been affected by the restrictions and adjustments within the availability of gambling, with many noting that it could be some time earlier than we've a true understanding of the actual impacts.

Gambling harms take time to develop, so we might not see the actual impacts for a while. (Key professional)

Others described extra fast impacts on their clients' well being and wellbeing. When discussing harm amongst people who gamble on-line - particularly those who wager on racing and sports activities - one specialist gambling counsellor described a 'hothouse' effect with an escalation in gambling and associated problems.

For some individuals this entire state of affairs had a little bit of a 'hothouse' effect, which exacerbated whatever place they have been in … they are people who depend on playing to a level where the restrictions exacerbated their stresses and anxieties ... particularly if they'd previously engaged in online playing, that sometimes really escalated ... that they had extra time, they had been at house more with nothing else to do ... so for some those who was very problematic and noticed them slide very rapidly into escalating problems. (Key professional)

The potential hurt and impacts for people who gamble at land-based (pokies) venues were additionally discussed. Some key experts from clinical and counselling organisations reported that a lot of their clients had skilled a right away lower in hurt with the closure of venues. The physical inability to gamble at venues had reportedly resulted in significant benefits, together with more money for essential items, elevated monetary financial savings, connecting with other pursuits and, for some shoppers, a want to stop utilizing pokies altogether.

There was, however, a concern among plenty of key specialists that the reopening of pokies and casino venues would result in elevated hurt, especially among folks with extra risky gambling behaviours. Their concern related to some folks 'binge' gambling on pokies, dropping any financial financial savings they had accumulated, and returning to harmful gambling patterns.

People have stopped gambling but they're very eagerly awaiting the pokies venues to reopen … in my opinion there shall be a big inflow [of people] with a lot of money put into pokies … I wish [the venues] would stay shut … (Key knowledgeable)

Key consultants reported that gambling revenue from pokies had already elevated considerably (compared to the identical time last 12 months) in the states and territories the place venues had reopened after the restrictions. They famous that because of social distancing and limits on patron numbers in venues, it was likely to be people who had been extra at-threat of gambling-associated hurt who have been playing, and with larger quantities of money.

That gambling spend [once venues reopened] ... truly represents a few 50% enhance, as a result of there have been about 50% less machines in venues because of social distancing … so we've seen a smaller number of individuals playing more money. (Key professional)

Key consultants who work in remedy settings famous that almost all people who accessed help with their playing during the restrictions had been current or existing clients, and that new consumer referrals had primarily 'dried up' throughout that point (though services were starting to see a rise in referrals once more).

Telehealth was reported to have been largely profitable in filling the hole in face-to-face counselling and remedy during the restrictions, especially in regional and rural areas. A small subset of purchasers most popular face-to-face engagement throughout therapeutic classes, but Telehealth sessions could possibly be delivered extra usually and with an elevated attendance rate.

Somebody would possibly come and see their gambling counsellor once a week [previous to restrictions] … now as a result of every part has moved to both telephone or on-line, typically people are having shorter sessions and using them more regularly. (Key knowledgeable)

Drinking and smoking

Participants have been requested about their drinking and smoking before and through COVID-19.

Around one in seven individuals (15.3%; n = 309) did not drink alcohol in both period (labeled as 'non-drinkers'), while 4.8% (n = 97) drank earlier than COVID-19 but not throughout, and 2.4% (n = 49) drank during COVID-19 but not earlier than.

Individuals who drank alcohol have been asked to finish the AUDIT-C 'consumption' scale (scored 1-12) that asks: (1) how often they drank alcohol; (2) amount consumed on a typical day when drinking; and (3) frequency of drinking six or more drinks on an occasion (Figure 6).

In each time periods (earlier than and during COVID-19) alcohol consumption was considerably greater amongst:

- males in comparison with females (imply AUDIT-C scores round 6.2 compared to 4.6)
- younger folks aged 18-34 years in comparison with older age teams (mean AUDIT-C scores around 6.4 in comparison with 5.Three among those aged 35-54 years and 4.8 amongst these aged 55+ years).
Overall alcohol consumption remained relatively stable between the 2 time durations (imply AUDIT-C rating 5.91 before and 5.86 throughout COVID-19); nevertheless, during COVID-19 significant decreases in drinking have been noticed among males and young individuals aged 18-34 years.

Figure 6: Alcohol consumption (AUDIT-C)

Smoking prevalence remained stable between the two time periods. Overall:

- twenty-5 per cent of the pattern reported smoking tobacco (manufactured or hand-rolled cigarettes) earlier than and/or throughout COVID-19; 15% each day and 10% lower than every day
- seven per cent reported smoking E-cigarettes; round 4% each day and 3% lower than daily.
While total drinking and smoking prevalence remained comparatively stable among survey individuals, some key specialists commented that folks could be consuming extra alcohol in the course of the restrictions to assist 'cope' with the stress and uncertainly of the pandemic, or to handle social isolation and boredom. Others noted that it was complicated and troublesome to draw direct hyperlinks between the restrictions and their clients' alcohol and other drug use, however described the potential intersections with gambling and the importance of understanding co-occurring behaviours for individuals.

One key professional reported that the need for counselling across a spread of points had usually increased, stating:

Due to the co-morbid nature of playing … It's not an enormous empirical leap to counsel that people who find themselves experiencing playing hurt are also experiencing larger levels of harmful substance use and family violence. (Key skilled)

How have been folks feeling?

Participants had been requested about their health and wellbeing and the way they had been feeling. Around one-third rated their general health up to now 30 days as both glorious/very good (37%), good (31%) or fair/poor (32%). When requested what impact COVID-19 had had on their well being, round half reported that their bodily well being (50%) and psychological well being (56%) had been negatively affected (Figure 7).

Some key consultants reported improvements within the well being and wellbeing of a few of their shoppers who had decreased or 'taken a break' from playing, but most were concerned concerning the detrimental impacts that COVID-19 and the associated restrictions were having on folks's mental well being, and the potential for ongoing and legacy well being harms that some individuals could expertise.

Figure 7: Impact of COVID-19 on physical and mental health

What do individuals think about playing in Australia?

Survey individuals additionally supplied their views on gambling availability, advertising and normalisation in Australia, and whether there have been any changes they'd like to see when COVID-19 restrictions have been eased. Around 1,600 participants (80%) supplied comments in open textual content fields.

Almost two-thirds of the respondents who commented believed that playing was, to some extent, a traditional part of life in Australia.

Aussies drink, smoke, watch the footy, abuse the ref, have a tap on the pokie, have a flutter on an enormous multi. It's all a part of the fair dinkum she'll be right Australian life-style. (Consumer, Male, 30)

Everyone has gambled sooner or later. It's nearly un-Australian to not have. (Consumer, Male, 21)

From raffles to pokies, racing, bingo, etc. it seems to be in all facets of Aussie life ... I see it everywhere. (Consumer, Female, 56)

I feel it's a traditional a part of Aussie lives, we love a punt with buddies whether or not it is on the races or taking part in two-up on Anzac Day. (Consumer, Male, 23)

When asked about their views on the accessibility of gambling in Australia, most described the widespread availability and ease of entry, particularly for online gambling through smartphones and other internet-enabled devices. Many participants commented that they believed playing was 'too accessible in Australia'.

The accessibility is ridiculous. It's so easy to position a wager as quick as potential. Most people might unlock their telephone, deposit cash and place a bet all within the space of 30 seconds. (Consumer, Male, 23)

Too accessible. Pokies on each nook in each city and easy accessibility to betting apps in your cellphone. Money just disappears from financial institution to betting account. Too tempting. (Consumer, Female, 30)

Everything is obtainable 24/7 on-line. Bet on occasions all over the world at whatever time you want. (Consumer, Male, 45)

This can be very easy for teenagers who have simply turned 18 to signal up to on-line betting accounts and get carried away simply. I additionally think the 'loot box' system in games promotes gambling to kids and teaches a young viewers that throwing money right into a service and never getting a lot in return is normal. (Consumer, Male, 20)

I've mixed views. Done appropriately it is usually a enjoyable exercise. But it may be easy to turn into addicted. (Consumer, Male, 25)

Most participants who commented on the ways that playing is marketed and marketed in Australia believed that there was an oversaturation of ads (especially associated to sports activities betting) and were involved about publicity among children and younger folks.

It's horrific, I used to be below 18 and getting gambling ads virtually all over the place on social media! It is not proper to focus on younger kids. (Consumer, Male, 18)

There's a variety of it. Its satirical nature that makes an attempt to appeal to Australian values and subcultures like beer, being overweight, having a beard, sneakily and cleverly lure lots of people into betting. (Consumer, Male, 24)

I work within the industry and really feel it gets shoved down individuals's throats excessively. You can't watch a game of footy with out being instructed the odds, so what do u suppose children rising up are going to affiliate footy with? (Consumer, Male, 30)

Far too much promoting, it encourages younger children to gamble. As a former teacher, it's a fear when 10-12 months-previous youngsters talk about the odds of an AFL group winning a match or batsman makes 100 in cricket. (Consumer, Male, 70)

What do consumers and key specialists wish to see sooner or later?

Almost half of the survey individuals who responded to the open text fields (many who gamble usually) reported that they would like to see changes to the playing setting post-COVID-19. The primary change contributors wished to see was a discount in gambling promotion and advertising - especially associated to sports betting advertising.

It's everywhere. From Tv ads, to billboards, to social media advertisements. It's greater than the game and you Can't keep away from it. It's too much. (Consumer, Male, 23)

Completely destructive, adverts should be regulated in an analogous fashion to alcohol and tobacco. The show of promotions and placement inside sporting occasions is reckless. (Consumer, Male, 30)

Professional sporting bodies must distance themselves from being immediately aligned with these betting businesses. Stop having official sponsors - that's the only approach to scale back the content material and advertising throughout sport and on sporting websites/platforms. (Consumer, Male, 28)

Get actual about sports activities betting firm's tactics on social media - sponsored content material, viral movies, signal-up bonuses. Stop normalising gambling and cease blaming the person if 'they cannot hack it'. (Consumer, Male, 29)

Shouldn't be marketed when younger children see it as regular. Footy is a family sport but many ads in all forms of media make gambling appear normal and simply accessible. (Consumer, Female, 57)

Many members additionally wanted to see adjustments to the availability and provision of land-based mostly playing in Australia. This mostly associated to restrictions on pokies venues and casinos.

Reduce entry to playing, notably EGMs [digital gambling machines/pokies]. Reduce machine numbers and betting limits to stop harm. Rip down 'VIP room' signage, together with flashing signs on exteriors of clubs and inns. (Consumer, Male, 29)

Pubs & clubs should have their gaming room hours decreased. It is simply too simple for individuals to remain for 10 hours at a time. (Consumer, Female, 54)

Less playing rooms, lower [spend] limits and slower spins. Mandatory pre-commitment per entry. (Consumer, Male, 29)

Removal of pokies from all venues besides casinos. (Consumer, Female, 48)

The other change that participants most ceaselessly raised associated to broader consumer protection measures and hurt reduction messaging.

A nationwide self-exclusion register. Firmer restrictions on playing advertising (possibly fully removing it) and more restrictions on playing providers to choose up drawback gamblers earlier than they completely break their lives. (Consumer, Male, 25)

Limiting or closing of pokie machines/venues. Greater oversight for online betting. Mandatory restrictions for online bookmakers. Further assist supplied for downside gamblers. (Consumer, Male, 30)

You see 100s of advertisements throughout the footy and different sports - all I remember is one thing about not going too far and at all times being responsible at the top of the ad. This is said quickly and squeezed in at the end in 2 seconds. Perhaps something else may very well be executed. (Consumer, Male, 23)

Regulation on casino games on the App Store in Australia have to be a focus space for coverage makers. The one checks accomplished on entry for beneath 18s is a button while you first enter the game warning it is meant for over 18s. (Consumer, Male, 29)

The underside line is that playing in Australia is a public well being concern. It needs to be treated as such. (Consumer, Male, 29)

Key experts additionally wished to see changes to the gambling surroundings in Australia and believed that there was assist for change in the broader group:

I really feel like there's stronger public appetite for change around playing … it looks like the general public are more concerned about issues like the pokies and sports betting than they were a few years ago. (Key expert)

Some key experts felt that the COVID-19 restrictions and the momentary closure of land-based mostly venues and suspension of sports activities provided a chance to 'take inventory' of gambling in Australia and to implement some essential consumer protection measures.

We need to guantee that hurt minimisation is front and centre of any choice making. (Key expert)

Key experts described a range of coverage and practical initiatives that have been planned, in process or the main target of future advocacy, including:

- reviewing and strengthening accountable codes of conduct for gambling in Australia (for both online and land-based suppliers), and making certain regular monitoring and compliance actions had been in place
- reviewing the appropriateness of 'responsible gambling' messaging and studying from successful prevention and hurt discount campaigns within the tobacco and alcohol fields
- reviewing and limiting the availability of playing advertising and promotions (especially related to sports betting)
- limiting the availability of land-primarily based gambling (e.g. lowering the number of poker machines in venues, proscribing operating hours), implementing pre-commitment methods (an amount willing to lose), and enhancing employees coaching
- implementing efficient self-exclusion programs for on-line and land-primarily based gambling products
- encouraging help-in search of behaviour and rising the availability of Telehealth providers for counselling and therapy
- delivering focused interventions for particular sub-populations, corresponding to younger males
- conducting additional analysis and information monitoring to enhance understanding of gambling participation and associated harms, each throughout and beyond COVID-19
- growing a National Gambling Strategy (much like Australia's National Alcohol Strategy) to prevent and minimise playing-associated harms amongst individuals, households and communities.
Notes

- Throughout this report, 'earlier than COVID-19' refers to the 30 days earlier than the restrictions have been launched in Australia (i.e. February 2020), and 'throughout COVID-19' refers back to the 30 days previous to survey completion (i.e. during May-July 2020).
- Individual state and territory governments in Australia applied, eased and, in some circumstances, re-implemented restrictions related to land-based playing venues (e.g. pokies venues, TABs) at completely different occasions. Similarly, some domestic and worldwide sporting codes resumed competition at totally different times throughout the data assortment interval. We might be conducting further analyses to discover jurisdictional variations to higher perceive the influence that the timing of these changes may have had on our findings.
- For the net consumer survey, the total variety of legitimate responses varies amongst questions. Appropriate paired tests had been performed by taking account of variable sorts (steady, binary, categorical and ordinal) and we tested that the mean or median of the variations between two time periods was zero where it applied. We reported '(statistically) vital' when p-value We administered two scales: the issue Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) and the quick version of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT-C). Further data will be accessed here: Ferris, J., & Wynne, H. (2001). The Canadian Problem Gambling Index: Final report. Ottawa: Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse; and Barbor, T. F. et al. (2001). AUDIT: The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test. Guidelines for use in major well being care. 2nd ed. Geneva: World Health Organization.

This examine has provided beneficial data that can enhance the understanding of playing in Australia during COVID-19. There have been, however, limitations that needs to be thought of. The target pattern for the net consumer survey was folks living in Australia, aged 18 or over, and who had spent cash on playing (online or at a venue) in the last 12 months. While we were capable of recruit a large pattern of individuals, this is a comfort pattern of people who self-selected to finish the survey and, as such, the findings will not be representative or generalisable to the wider population of adults who gamble in Australia. Further, while confidentiality was assured and there have been no destructive consequences of disclosure, participant responses were based on self-report and may be subject to some social desirability or recall bias.

Media releases

- Raising the stakes: how Australians are playing during COVID-19

The Australian Gambling Research Centre was established below the Commonwealth Gambling Measures Act 2012. Our playing analysis program displays the Act, embodies a national perspective, and has a powerful household focus. We're a part of the Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS) and would like to significantly acknowledge AIFS for supporting this work. Special thanks go to our colleagues within the Communications team, and to Think HQ, for his or her encouragement, assistance and steering throughout the analysis course of. We are indebted to the analysis members and key stakeholders for their support, generosity of time and precious contributions to this research.

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