Read time: 5 mins
Based on Gambling participation and risk after COVID-19 – analysis of population representative longitudinal panel of Australians, published June 2023.
ANU evidence analysing the impact of COVID-19 restrictions shows that while lockdowns curbed losses among ‘low-risk’ punters – those only betting money they can afford to lose – problem gambling was mostly unaffected by restricted access.
Read time: 5 mins
Based on Gambling participation and risk after COVID-19 – analysis of population representative longitudinal panel of Australians, published June 2023.
1
Many low-risk and non-problem gamblers ceased gambling during COVID-19 lockdowns.
2
Overall gambling rates are almost back to pre-pandemic levels.
3
High-risk gambling behaviour is highly persistent, so these gamblers need more support.
ANU researchers found that during Australia’s COVID-19 lockdowns, at-risk gambling dropped from 13.6 per cent of the population to around 10 per cent.
Once lockdown restrictions began to ease, gambling participation and risk increased across all categories, including among previous non-gamblers. By 2023, gambling participation had nearly returned to pre-pandemic levels.
ANU researchers found that low-risk gamblers (those who reported only betting what they could afford to lose), were the most impacted by lockdowns. Limited access meant limited gambling.
However, high-risk gamblers, who were regularly risking money they couldn’t afford to lose tended to remain at their level of risk.
In fact, high-risk gamblers’ participation in select activities, such as betting on sports, racing and special events – that are all readily available online – tended to increase as the pandemic progressed and lockdowns continued.
Researchers also noted the strength of past findings showing that predictors such as male gender, young age, higher problem-gambling severity, and a history of mental health concerns are clear predictors of increases in high-risk gambling.
The findings highlight the high persistence of problem gambling and suggest that risky gambling could grow over time among Australians.
They also indicate that restricting access is likely not enough to curb problem gambling, highlighting the need for governments to explore alternative approaches to high-risk gambling.
“Restricting access is likely not enough to curb problem gambling. Governments need to explore alternative approaches to high-risk gambling.”
