Latest study refutes gambling "explosion" in Australia

A report exploring the prevalence of gambling in Victoria, Australia was recently released by the Victoria provincial government, entitled “Study of Gambling and Health in Victoria,” the survey aimed to identify emerging trends and new issues since the last comprehensive study was undertaken in 2008.

Contrary to recent sentiment about gambling in Australia, the survey results showed that growth in gambling activities did not reach “explosive” levels. In fact, the survey has shown the proportion of gambling participation had declined from 21.5 percent in 2008, to 16.7 percent in 2014.

The report also indicated there was no significant shift in the percentage of gamblers likely to develop problem-gambling behavior, however there was a marked increase in betting activities among problem gamblers via online betting facilities.

The study also revealed a decline in pokie machine participation. Only 15.2 percent of the respondents gambled on pokie machines in 2014, compared to 21.5 percent in 2008. However, of these respondents, the number of pokie players who have engaged in online pokies had increased significantly from 1.69 percent in 2008 to 7.25 percent in 2014.

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