More Australians gambling at risky levels

The number of Australians gambling at risky levels is at its highest level in six years, according to the latest national gambling survey from The Australian National University (ANU). 

19.4 per cent – or almost one in 20 – Australian adults reported gambling at risky levels in the past year. 

Risk was measured by the Problem Gambling Severity Index that asks about a range of negative consequences relating to gambling, including betting more than you can afford to lose. 

Lead author Associate Professor Aino Suomi said that while overall gambling participation has steadily decreased over the past 15 years, the recent increase in people gambling at harmful levels is cause for concern.  

“Gambling harm has intensified – fewer people now gamble but many more do so at risky levels,” Associate Professor Suomi said.  

“This has coincided with a huge spike in online gambling – more than half of all gambling in Australia is now happening online. 

“This is accelerating the pace at which gambling is moving into the home. Online gambling is clearly related to more risky gambling, more frequent gambling and psychological distress.”

According to the researchers, online gambling attracts a different group of people compared to traditional forms of gambling.  

“The profile of individuals who gamble online looks vastly different. They’re generally young and have a higher likelihood of full-time employment and higher income,” Associate Professor Suomi said. 

“Males aged between 25 and 34 with a trade certificate or diploma who were employed full-time, and in the highest household income bracket, were more likely to gamble online compared to the general population.” 

Buying lottery tickets remains the most popular form of gambling (41.3 per cent), followed by scratch and raffle tickets, electronic gambling machines and betting on races. 

“Sports betting sat at just 7 per cent, but it saw a considerable increase from 4.7 per cent in 2024. It also had by far the highest rate of online gambling compared to other activities,” Associate Professor Suomi said.  

“Race betting and buying lottery and raffle tickets also had high online participation rates. 

“These online participation rates reflect the high availability of legal online gambling in Australia, although illegal online products like pokies and casino table games also doubled since last year” 

Gambling harm – either from the individual’s own gambling, or another person’s – was concentrated in younger groups, with lower income.  

“This is the first time we’ve also seen gambling risk being heightened in families with children, showing that gambling harm is now present in family homes,” Associate Professor Suomi said. 

The report was co-authored by Dr Markus Hahn and Professor Nicholas Biddle from ANU.  

The results are drawn from ANUpoll data – a regular survey of Australian public opinion.  

The full Gambling participation in Australia 2025 report is available on the ANU Centre for Social Policy Research (POLIS) website.