A study by the Grattan Institute has revealed that Australian gamblers have the highest gambling losses per customer in the world with average losses totaling AU$1,635 ($1,105) per year.
According to the Grattan Institute’s report, the losses experienced by Australian gamblers are much greater that the averages in other countries with regulated gambling such as the United States – AU$809 ($547), and New Zealand – AU$584 ($394).
The data used focuses on gambling machines (pokies) and sports sports betting and covers gambling losses for the year 2022 when Australians lost a combined AU$24 billion ($16.2 billion) through gambling.
The latest Australian gambling statistics show that losses have increased by 36.25% from AU$1,200 ($811) in 2020.
Key Findings
- Average annual losses – AU$1,650 ($1,105)
- Combined annual losses – AU$24 billion ($16.2 billion)
- Combined sports betting losses – AU$5.8 billion ($3.9 billion)
- Australians using pokies – 1.2 million
- Australians placing sports bets – 1.6 million
- NSW has most pokies – 1 for every 75 adults
- NSW pokie losses per person – AU$1,288 ($830)
- 8% of Australians place bets on a monthly basis
- 5% of sports bettors account for 77% of gambling spend via card payments
Problem Gambling
- 22,000 people are currently registered with BetStop (national self-exclusion register)
- 50% of people registered on BetStop are under 30 years of age
- 30% of problem gamblers say sports betting biggest source of losses
- 1.7% of adult population suffering acute gambling harm
- 8% of all gamblers reports signs of gambling harm
- 500,000 people have asked banks to put a stop on gambling spending
- 700,00 people live with someone with serious gambling problem
The study also found that people living withing 250m of a pokie venue are 30% more likely to suffer gambling problems that those living 2km away.
Call for Action
In its report, the Grattan Institute made recommendations to the government based on its findings. These recommendations are:
Reduce gambling exposure to gambling
- Ban all gambling advertising and inducements (bonuses and promotions).
- Reduce the number of pokies numbers in operation.
- Introduce gambling warning labels for any games that include gambling-like features. These include loot boxes and social casinos.
Mandatory pre-commitment and maximum loss limits
- National mandatory pre-commitment system for all online gambling. This to include daily, monthly, and annual limits on losses.
- State-wide mandatory pre-commitment scheme for pokies with similar limits.
- Look into creating a single universal mandatory pre-commitment system for all forms of gambling.
Improve gambling support services
- Commission a national review of gambling treatment and support services.
- Invest in service improvements and research gaps.
Strong Support for Gambling Reform
In August of this year, the Australia Institute proposed a 2% levy on gambling revenues as part of its lobbying campaign to have a potential ban on gambling advertising fully implemented. The levy could be used to mitigate financial losses incurred by media companies as a direct result of the ban.
The institute’s proposal came shortly after the Alliance for Gambling Reform sent an open letter to the Australian government calling for all forms of gambling advertising to be banned. This was direct result of press reports that the government was set to reject a blanket ban on gambling ads.
The letter was signed by former prime ministers and political leaders, MPs, and union leaders. other signatories of the letter included prominent figures in sport, business, health, union and faith.
Olivia has worked as an editor and writer for major brands across multiple niches. She now focuses on the iGaming and sports betting industries.
