Resources
Further information about problem gambling
Page made by Jesse
Gambling in Australia
(Roth 2020, Office of Responsible Gambling NSW n.d.)
Australia has the highest rate of gambling per capita in the world, followed distantly by Hong Kong and Singapore.
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In 2018, the total amount wagered on gambling in Australia was $218.9 Billion.
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$149.5 Billion of that number was spent on EGMs.
Gambling in NSW
(Roth 2020, Office of Responsible Gambling NSW n.d.)
In New South Wales, 53% of residents participate in gambling each year. The most common form of gambling is lotteries, electronic gambling machines, instant scratchies, race betting, and sports betting.
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A total of $92.9 Billion was spent on gambling in NSW in 2018. EGMs were responsible for the highest collective losses in the state.
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The most recent year recorded, 2018, showed the highest amount of gambling losses in NSW since 1992.
Problem gambling can lead to:
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HELPLESSNESS
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HOPELESSNESS
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MENTAL BREAKDOWN
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SUBSTANCE ABUSE
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DIVORCE
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SUICIDAL THOUGHTS/ATTEMPTS
Effects of Problem Gambling
(Dowling 2014)
Gambling can be a fun activity used for leisure and socialisation, but some gamblers develop a gambling addiction and become problem gamblers.
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Problem gambling can lead to severe effects on your personal life, negatively impacting family relationships, and causing financial difficulty, emotional hardship, and developing unhealthy coping methods such as alcohol or smoking.
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Electronic Gambling Machines (EGMs)
(Livingstone & Woolley 2007)
EGMs are commonplace in hotels, clubs and bars in Australia, and in NSW, EGMs are mostly used by young people aged 18-24 (25%).
EGMs are predatory because they are designed to look fun and minimise the amount of money you think you are really spending.
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An average problem gambler in Australia will use EGMs approximately 4 times in a week, and spend $400.
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EGMs are marketed to young adults, and entertainment venues often enable excessive gambling to maximise profits.
