Research published by the Australian Gambling Research Centre (AGRC) has shown that almost 80% of Australians believe that they are seeing too many gambling ads on a weekly basis.
64% of Australians believe government should step in to limit gambling ads
The research also shows that 53% those polled supported a complete ban on betting ads on radio, TV, and streaming platforms before 10.30pm. Remarks collected during the study show that many believe that the level of gambling advertising in the country is normalizing betting among children.
According to the poll, 41% of adults stated that they see or hear gambling ads at least four times per week with many believing that this level of advertising encourages people to gamble for the first time of to take bigger risks when gambling.
The research also revealed:
- 21% of gamblers started gambling after seeing or hearing gambling ads
- 34% of gamblers increased their stake after seeing or hearing an ad
- 29% of gamblers bet on impulse following a gambling ad
- 28% change their bet or try a new form of gambling following an ad
In the past year, 75% of Australians polled took part in some form of gambling, with 38% gambling on a weekly basis. However, men tended to gamble more frequently and spend more money on various types of betting, such as sports, racing, and pokies.
NSW had the highest participation rate, whereas Tasmania had the lowest. On an average gambling day, individuals spent AU$83 on sports betting, AU$93 on racing, and AU$109 on all other forms of gambling, including pokies, casino games, and lotteries.
64% of those surveyed believed that it was the federal government’s responsibility to regulate how betting is advertised while 50% agreed that celebrity endorsements should be banned. Meanwhile 47% agreed that all gambling advertising on social media should be banned.
AGRC executive manager Dr Rebecca Jenkinson said of the research:
“We know the harms that gambling causes – at an individual, family, and societal level – including impacts on finances, relationships, and health and wellbeing. The report also captures the concerns of the Australian public that wagering advertising normalises gambling activity.”
According to the AGRC, Australians lose around AU$25 billion (€15.4 billion) each year on legal forms of gambling. This represents that largest per capita losses in the world.
The research comes ahead of a parliamentary inquiry into online gambling which is set to be finalized at some point in 2023.
Ciaran has been working within the Gambling Industry as a deep analyst since 2019. His deep knowledge and understanding of all the gambling regulations, and processes makes him a true asset, and an always valuable point of view for Gambling Industry News, allowing us to cover every topics from a brand new perspective.