The worldwide COVID-19 pandemic and related government restrictions led to changes in the availability of gambling in Australia, with land-based playing venues quickly closed and main nationwide and international sporting codes suspended. To know how folks adjusted to these adjustments in gambling availability we surveyed over 2,000 people who gamble from throughout Australia throughout June-July 2020, and spoke with key specialists who work in gambling research, regulation, coverage and remedy. We wanted to learn extra in regards to the kinds of products people gambled on earlier than and through COVID-19 (e.g. sports, racing, pokies), and how folks's gambling participation, alcohol consumption and health and wellbeing had been affected. Findings from the research will assist to inform the development and implementation of policy and practice responses to stop and cut back gambling-related harms in Australia.

Key messages

- Almost 1 in three survey contributors signed up for a brand new on-line betting account throughout COVID-19, and 1 in 20 began gambling on-line.

- Even with restricted entry to venues, total, contributors gambled more typically during COVID-19. The proportion who gambled four or extra occasions per week increased from 23% to 32%.

- Horse racing, sports betting, greyhound racing and lotto have been the main merchandise that contributors gambled on before and through COVID-19.

- Of concern, 79% of members have been labeled as being at risk of, or already experiencing, playing-related hurt.

- Young males (aged 18-34 years) were the sub-inhabitants almost certainly to sign up for brand new on-line accounts, to increase their frequency and month-to-month spending on gambling (from $687 to $1,075), and to be susceptible to playing-associated harm.

- Key consultants famous that the short-term closure of pokies venues had had speedy advantages for some people who gamble, together with more cash for essential objects and increased savings.

- Around half of the survey participants reported that their bodily and/or mental health had been negatively affected throughout COVID-19.

- Survey members and key experts recommended a range of initiatives to minimise playing-associated hurt locally, together with a discount within the availability and advertising and marketing of gambling products and the implementation of robust client protection measures.

What we did

Our Gambling in Australia during COVID-19 research involved two phases of information collection:

1. a web-based survey of 2,019 individuals who gambled (shoppers), recruited through social media commercials, e-news alerts and phrase of mouth

2. telephone and video interviews with 10 individuals who worked in playing analysis, regulation, policy and treatment (key consultants).

The net survey was obtainable for completion between 10 June and 31 July 2020. Survey contributors were aged 18 years or over, lived in Australia, and had gambled previously 12 months. The survey took around 15 minutes to complete. People might select to go into a draw for a $200 voucher to be awarded to five randomly chosen members. Key professional interviews were carried out during July-August 2020.

Who we surveyed

A total of 2,019 individuals from across Australia completed the survey. Around three-quarters had been male (73%) with an average age of 38 years (median 29 years; vary 18-84). The sample traits are summarised in Table 1.

What people advised us about their playing

Most individuals (79%) reported having spent money on gambling at least once per week through the past 12 months, and slightly below one-third (30%) reported playing 4+ times a week during that time. Participants first gambled with actual money after they had been aged around 18 years (median 18, imply 20), but one in five (20%) first gambled once they were underage (<18 years). Some participants reported being relatively new to gambling, while others had been gambling for a long time (median 11 years, range <1-50+ years). Overall, we would describe this sample as a population of people who gamble regularly.

Which products did folks gamble on?

Figure 1 reveals which playing merchandise individuals reported spending money on (out of a list of 18 different products) in: (i) the 30 days earlier than the COVID-19 restrictions (i.e. February 2020/earlier than COVID-19); and (ii) in the 30 days previous to completing the survey (i.e. May-July 2020/during COVID-19).

Figure 1: Proportion (%) who gambled on every product earlier than and during COVID-19 (n = 2,019)

Participants gambled on roughly three totally different products before COVID-19 (imply = 2.9, median = 3, vary 0-16) and two different products throughout COVID-19 (imply = 2.5, median = 2, range 0-18). Around 3.6% (n = 73) of participants reported that they did not gamble earlier than COVID-19, and 7.9% (n = 159) did not gamble during COVID-19.

In each time intervals, the principle merchandise that individuals gambled on were horse racing (earlier than 57%, throughout 57%), sports activities (earlier than 46%, during 45%), lotto (earlier than 41%, during 38%) and greyhound racing (earlier than 35%, throughout 37%). Around one-third of members additionally used or performed online digital video games earlier than (32%) or during COVID-19 (36%).

Basically, while participation in racing, sports activities and different wagering actions remained comparatively stable, there have been statistically important decreases in gambling on most land-based mostly merchandise throughout the restrictions, including:

- poker/electronic gambling machines or 'pokies' (before 35%, during 14%)

- immediate scratch tickets (earlier than 13%, during 10%)

- keno (earlier than 12%, throughout 6%)

- casino table video games (earlier than 10%, throughout 3%).

As with racing, participation in sports betting remained stable overall, with the 2 major sporting leagues in Australia - the Australian Football League (AFL) and the National Rugby League (NRL) - resuming competition during the info collection interval (with condensed seasons and games played all through the week). We observed statistically important increases in betting on these codes throughout COVID-19 (AFL increased 31% to 35%; NRL 22% to 25%). These will increase have been offset by statistically important decreases in different national and international sports that remained suspended or out of season (e.g. basketball 19% to 5%; cricket 10% to 2%; American soccer/NFL 7% to 2%; and tennis 6% to 2%).

Participant responses to the open text questions within the survey offered further context about how they adapted to adjustments in the availability of playing in Australia.

A gambler like me will all the time regulate. Can't go to [on line casino] to play poker, then just find an illegal site to play online. Can't guess on the sports I normally do, just guess on other sports which can be still on. (Consumer, Male, 46)

I discovered that on account of being so bored in isolation that my associates and I might put silly bets on horses/dogs/overseas sport with little to no data of the sport simply to get a thrill out of it. This hit all of us fairly hard financially. (Consumer, Male, 18)

No sport for a little while meant I ended up betting on weather markets or e-Sports after which checked out myself and mentioned what the hell am I doing. (Consumer, Male, 25)

Being in Melbourne [Vic.] we have not had access to a [pokies] venue since March so my financial savings account has by no means seen a lot money. I've discovered myself having little online $5, $10 bets with for AFL & NRL greater than I did earlier than COVID. (Consumer, Female, 38)

Since TABs have been closed throughout COVID-19 my playing has stopped and I've managed to get some sanity and order in my life. (Consumer, Male, 55)

How usually did individuals gamble?

Participants reported their frequency of playing for individual products (e.g. once per week on lotto, 2-three instances per week on sports). If folks gambled on a number of merchandise, we used their highest frequency for a person product (e.g. 2-3 times per week on sports activities) to estimate their frequency of gambling in the 30-day period1 (for earlier than and during COVID-19).

Overall, there was a statistically significant improve within the frequency of (any) playing during COVID-19. The proportion of contributors who gambled at least as soon as a week increased from 79% to 83%, and the proportion who gambled 4+ instances per week increased from 23% to 32% (Figure 2).

We noticed some gender and age variations, with males and young folks (aged 18-34 years) significantly more likely to extend their frequency of gambling throughout COVID-19 (particularly at probably the most frequent class of 4+ occasions per week).

Figure 2: Overall gambling frequency before and through COVID-19

Statistically vital adjustments in the frequency of playing on particular person merchandise were additionally found. Increases for all types of racing (horse, greyhound and harness), sports, e-Sports, lotto, and on line casino desk games had been noticed, with most of those merchandise obtainable online (some via unregulated, offshore operators). Frequency of gambling on pokies decreased significantly through the restrictions, with land-primarily based venues briefly closed in most jurisdictions.

I've been considering to myself that COVID has accelerated my playing and that of my mates. Every weekend we share our bets for every game of the day and focus on them as they happen. As foolish because it sounds, it is brought us closer considerably, a distraction and something to do - however all of my friendship group have accelerated gambling and some have began for the first time throughout COVID. (Consumer, Male, 27)

I turned 18 during lockdown and spent a whole lot of isolation time gambling. (Consumer, Male, 18)

I've definitely gambled extra. I am not a big gambler at all, however I broke my rule throughout COVID (to never download an online betting account), given TABs were inaccessible. I have wager more on impulse consequently, despite the fact that the online quantity is quite low. (Consumer, Male, 28)

I used to gamble rather more. Don't suppose I'll use poker machines again - too risky. Will continue to purchase Tattslotto weekly and different days when there's a Jackpot. (Consumer, Female, 72)

How much did folks spend?

We estimated individuals' median expenditure on gambling (in the 30 days earlier than and during COVID-19) by multiplying their spend on a typical day by their frequency of gambling.2 Overall, median expenditure decreased from $500 within the 30 days earlier than COVID-19 to $460 during COVID-19, however this lower was not statistically significant.

Figure 3: Median past-month expenditure ($) before and during COVID-19

While there were no total differences in typical median expenditure on gambling throughout the 2 time periods, statistically vital gender and age variations have been observed (Figure 3).

- Male participants increased overall spending, while females diminished their spending.

- Young people aged 18-34 years increased general spending, whereas older age groups decreased spending.

- The largest increase in expenditure throughout COVID-19 was among younger men aged 18-34 years ($687 to $1,075).

Some differences in typical expenditure on individual products had been also found. Among individuals who spent cash on a product in each time periods (e.g. they gambled on horse racing before and through COVID-19), statistically significant will increase in spending (in a typical day) have been discovered for horse racing, greyhound racing, sports, e-Sports, loot packing containers and lotto.

Gambling is so easy to do anywhere any time and it does not feel like you're spending actual cash when you are able to do it over your cellphone. You spend less on the pub betting because you may see and feel the cash and are more reluctant to wager it. Over your telephone you cannot see the cash and it is approach too simple to get carried away and continue betting when you must cease. (Consumer, Male, 28)

I've spent a little bit extra primarily as a result of I've a much larger amount of disposable income resulting from lockdown. (Consumer, Male, 26)

I love a flutter, however I have not missed it in any respect. My financial institution stability is rather a lot healthier too, which I love. (Consumer, Female, 54)

How did folks gamble?

We asked contributors roughly what proportion of their gambling was achieved through different modes (e.g. online, at a pokies venue) before and during COVID-19.

On common, earlier than COVID-19, 62% of individuals' gambling was conducted online; during COVID-19, this increased to 78%. With limited alternatives for land-primarily based playing throughout COVID-19, we observed a statistically significant decrease in the common proportion of contributors' gambling conducted at a pokies venue, club or pub (from 23% to 8%) and at a casino (from 4% to 1%). The common proportion of individuals' gambling at other land-based venues (e.g. racetrack, TAB/UBET outlet or newsagent) increased slightly from 11% to 13% (Figure 4).

Figure 4: Average proportion of gambling through different modes

Around one in 20 participants (5.1%; n = 93) shifted from utilizing solely land-based mostly modes (before COVID-19) to using on-line modes throughout COVID-19. Half (52%) of the contributors who began playing online have been feminine, with a mean age of 46 years (median fifty one years).

We also asked about on-line betting accounts and found that more than three-quarters (77%; n = 1,562) of members had not less than one energetic on-line account on the time of the survey (mean = 3.3, median = 2), and around one in three (30%; n = 605) had signed up for a brand new on-line account/s during COVID-19 (5% or n = one hundred contributors didn't have an active on-line account previous to this). Young men aged 18-34 years had been the most definitely sub-population to enroll for brand new accounts (n = 480, 79% of new account holders).

It is much too accessible, and straightforward to open a brand new account. I did it this week and it took literally 45 seconds to create and deposit. (Consumer, Male, 28)

I played online pokies for the first time as I wasn't in a position to in particular person. I never knew how accessible it was, and I was hooked for a few days spending greater than I sometimes do. In person it is easy to walk away from and maybe grab another drink and benefit from the venue. During COVID, I discovered myself playing throughout work hours and whilst working. (Consumer, Male, 22)

Downloaded an account due to boredom and no accessibility to TAB machines. Now have extra random bets than I might without an account. (Consumer, Male, 22)

I had never gambled online previous to COVID-19, I had issues with playing coming into this pandemic and before I knew it I had justified to myself to gamble at home online. (Consumer, Male, 30)

Definitely have put extra into racing on mobile tab since COVID has shut down bingos and pokies. (Consumer, Female, 59)

Key specialists additionally offered insights and views on how the COVID-19 world pandemic and ensuing authorities restrictions had impacted the playing setting in Australia, and how these adjustments had affected folks's gambling behaviours and experience of harms.

Key consultants generally described two broad teams of clients who they labored with previous to the COVID-19 restrictions:

1. a youthful demographic who largely wager or wagered online (e.g. on sports activities, racing)

2. a slightly older group of people who primarily gambled at land-primarily based venues (e.g. pokies venues, TABs, lotto).

Most key consultants discussed the momentary closure of pokies venues and casinos and the 'forced break' from playing that many individuals experienced as being helpful for their shoppers. While various key experts famous that that they had not (to date) observed large shifts from land-primarily based playing (e.g. on pokies or TABs) to online modes, there was a priority that consumers at higher risk of gambling-related hurt would possibly shift to online playing where bigger sums of money could possibly be lost in a short time, or that people may move to offshore (and unregulated) gambling websites to gamble on pokies or different 'casino sort' games.

With most major sporting codes suspended early in the pandemic, key experts believed that consumers who gambled on-line earlier than COVID-19 had been more likely to be playing on racing (if not already doing so), minor worldwide sports or 'novelty' sort actions (equivalent to reality Tv). Key consultants famous that wagering operators had been offering a range of recent promotions and presents to try to attract new clients, and that they expected large increases in online spending with the easing of restrictions and the return of major sports.

A lot of people may have accounts with more than one operator and the odds and promotions are a bit extra generous for the time being, as a result of all of the operators are all wanting to draw new prospects. (Key skilled)

With sports activities like NRL and AFL restarting and a few folks having a bit more time on their hands and probably access to stimulus packages or other discretionary cash, I'm imagining that they are placing a good whack of money on in the meanwhile. (Key expert)

1 That is the individuals' minimum frequency of playing and may be an underestimate for individuals who gambled on a number of merchandise. For instance, a person may gamble on lotto 'as soon as a week' and sports activities 'once a week', but we do not know if they gambled on these products on the same or totally different days (e.g. both on a Saturday, or lotto on a Saturday and sports activities on a Wednesday). In our evaluation, these individuals are coded as 'as soon as a week' (as a minimal) however their general frequency of playing could possibly be two days per week.

2 For every product, for instance, sports activities, we multiplied the individuals' reported expenditure in a typical day within the 30-day period (e.g. $50 spent on sports in a typical day) by their frequency of gambling on sports activities throughout that point (e.g. once per week, or four days in a month), to estimate their complete expenditure of $200 on sports activities in that 30-day interval. We then summed expenditure on individual products (e.g. sports activities and lotto) to estimate overall expenditure for each participant.

What impacts did gambling have on people?

We assessed gambling-associated problems among survey members by way of the problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI). The PGSI gives a measure of at-risk behaviour in problem gambling during the previous 12 month interval; as such, we were not able discover changes earlier than and during COVID-19.

Findings from the PGSI counsel that almost 4 in 5 members (79%) would be classified as being susceptible to, or already experiencing, some playing-related hurt within the previous 12 months. When examined by PGSI danger stage, 19% of the pattern would be classified as low risk, 31% at moderate threat, and 30% as experiencing downside gambling.

Among this sample, males have been significantly extra likely than females to be labeled as being at any risk of gambling-related issues (84% in comparison with 67%), and young folks aged 18-34 years had been extra prone to be in danger (90%), compared to these aged 35-fifty four years (71%) and 55 years and over (63%). Figure 5 exhibits the PGSI danger categories by age group.

Figure 5: PGSI classes by age group (n = 2,019)

Participant responses to the open textual content questions provided additional context about how the restrictions had affected their playing behaviour and impacted their health, relationships and finances.

I'm stunned how a lot it is affected my mental health lately. I'm far more pressured, anxious and deceitful. I've realised now how much I have changed simply from gambling. I'm far much less social. I believe realising this stuff has made me want to stop. (Consumer, Male, 30)

Isolation and accessibility could be very dangerous. Whenever I'm bored my finger automatically opens the app now ... I had gambling, I suppose, underneath control, I knew my limits, now I can't cease. (Consumer, Male, 23)

I've spent a considerable quantity more since COVID-19 lockdowns and have needed to suspend my checking account to restrict myself from depositing. Even setting deposit limits on an account doesn't work, as you can just go open another account with any number of bookies when there's something you wish to get on when you're chasing losses. Being at dwelling all day was boring and all I did was put the racing channel on and have a guess. It has taken a massive toll financially. (Consumer, Male, 21)

COVID has made me 10x worse and that i now worry for my well being because whereas the whole lot has stopped, gambling continues to be open for everybody and with all this time on my fingers and no real income it has grow to be a solution to try to make more money. (Consumer, Male, 27)

I actually enjoyed the break from pokies however have been back to the very same patterns. I'll endeavour not to go back to a venue once more as a result of as soon as inside I have no control. (Consumer, Female, 48)

Key consultants additionally commented on how individuals had been affected by the restrictions and adjustments within the availability of playing, with many noting that it could possibly be a while earlier than now we have a true understanding of the real impacts.

Gambling harms take time to develop, so we may not see the actual impacts for a while. (Key professional)

Others described more fast impacts on their clients' health and wellbeing. When discussing harm among people who gamble on-line - especially those who wager on racing and sports - one specialist gambling counsellor described a 'hothouse' impact with an escalation in gambling and associated problems.

For some individuals this whole situation had a little bit of a 'hothouse' effect, which exacerbated whatever place they were in … they are individuals who rely on gambling to a level where the restrictions exacerbated their stresses and anxieties ... especially if they'd previously engaged in on-line playing, that typically actually escalated ... they'd extra time, they have been at dwelling extra with nothing else to do ... so for some those who was very problematic and saw them slide very rapidly into escalating problems. (Key professional)

The potential hurt and impacts for people who gamble at land-based (pokies) venues were additionally mentioned. Some key consultants from clinical and counselling organisations reported that a lot of their clients had experienced a direct lower in harm with the closure of venues. The bodily inability to gamble at venues had reportedly resulted in important benefits, including more cash for essential items, increased monetary savings, connecting with other interests and, for some clients, a desire to stop utilizing pokies altogether.

There was, however, a priority amongst numerous key consultants that the reopening of pokies and on line casino venues would result in increased hurt, particularly among people with more risky gambling behaviours. Their concern related to some individuals 'binge' playing on pokies, shedding any financial financial savings that they had accumulated, and returning to dangerous playing patterns.

People have stopped playing but they are very eagerly awaiting the pokies venues to reopen … in my view there will probably be a giant influx [of individuals] with a lot of money put into pokies … I wish [the venues] would keep shut … (Key professional)

Key consultants reported that playing revenue from pokies had already increased significantly (in comparison with the same time last year) in the states and territories where venues had reopened after the restrictions. They famous that due to social distancing and limits on patron numbers in venues, it was more likely to be individuals who have been more at-threat of playing-associated harm who were playing, and with larger quantities of cash.

That playing spend [as soon as venues reopened] ... truly represents a couple of 50% enhance, because there were about 50% less machines in venues because of social distancing … so we have seen a smaller quantity of people playing more money. (Key expert)

Key experts who work in therapy settings famous that almost all people who accessed assist with their gambling throughout the restrictions have been current or current shoppers, and that new shopper referrals had basically 'dried up' throughout that point (although services had been beginning to see a rise in referrals again).

Telehealth was reported to have been largely profitable in filling the gap in face-to-face counselling and therapy in the course of the restrictions, especially in regional and rural areas. A small subset of purchasers preferred face-to-face engagement throughout therapeutic sessions, however Telehealth classes might be delivered more often and with an elevated attendance rate.

Somebody might come and see their gambling counsellor as soon as a week [previous to restrictions] … now because all the pieces has moved to both phone or on-line, typically people are having shorter periods and utilizing them extra incessantly. (Key knowledgeable)

Drinking and smoking

Participants have been asked about their drinking and smoking before and during COVID-19.

Around one in seven participants (15.3%; n = 309) did not drink alcohol in both period (categorised as 'non-drinkers'), whereas 4.8% (n = 97) drank earlier than COVID-19 but not throughout, and 2.4% (n = 49) drank throughout COVID-19 but not before.

Individuals who drank alcohol have been requested to complete the AUDIT-C 'consumption' scale (scored 1-12) that asks: (1) how often they drank alcohol; (2) quantity consumed on a typical day when drinking; and (3) frequency of drinking six or more drinks on an occasion (Figure 6).

In both time durations (before and through COVID-19) alcohol consumption was significantly greater among:

- males compared to females (imply AUDIT-C scores around 6.2 in comparison with 4.6)

- younger folks aged 18-34 years in comparison with older age groups (mean AUDIT-C scores round 6.Four in comparison with 5.3 amongst these aged 35-54 years and 4.8 amongst those aged 55+ years).

Overall alcohol consumption remained relatively stable between the two time intervals (mean AUDIT-C score 5.91 before and 5.86 throughout COVID-19); nonetheless, during COVID-19 important decreases in drinking had been observed among men and younger people aged 18-34 years.

Figure 6: Alcohol consumption (AUDIT-C)

Smoking prevalence remained stable between the 2 time periods. Overall:

- twenty-five per cent of the pattern reported smoking tobacco (manufactured or hand-rolled cigarettes) before and/or during COVID-19; 15% every day and 10% less than every day

- seven per cent reported smoking E-cigarettes; around 4% every day and 3% less than each day.

While general drinking and smoking prevalence remained relatively stable among survey participants, some key specialists commented that people is perhaps consuming extra alcohol through the restrictions to assist 'cope' with the stress and uncertainly of the pandemic, or to manage social isolation and boredom. Others famous that it was complicated and troublesome to attract direct hyperlinks between the restrictions and their purchasers' alcohol and other drug use, but described the potential intersections with playing and the importance of understanding co-occurring behaviours for individuals.

One key professional reported that the need for counselling across a spread of points had generally elevated, stating:

Due to the co-morbid nature of playing … It is not a massive empirical leap to counsel that people who are experiencing playing harm are additionally experiencing increased levels of dangerous substance use and family violence. (Key professional)

How were people feeling?

Participants have been asked about their well being and wellbeing and the way they were feeling. Around one-third rated their general well being prior to now 30 days as either wonderful/very good (37%), good (31%) or truthful/poor (32%). When asked what impression COVID-19 had had on their health, round half reported that their physical health (50%) and mental health (56%) had been negatively affected (Figure 7).

Some key experts reported improvements in the well being and wellbeing of a few of their purchasers who had reduced or 'taken a break' from gambling, but most have been involved concerning the damaging impacts that COVID-19 and the associated restrictions have been having on individuals's psychological health, and the potential for ongoing and legacy health harms that some individuals could experience.

Figure 7: Impact of COVID-19 on physical and mental well being

What do individuals suppose about gambling in Australia?

Survey contributors also supplied their views on gambling availability, advertising and normalisation in Australia, and whether or not there were any modifications they'd prefer to see when COVID-19 restrictions had been eased. Around 1,600 individuals (80%) offered feedback in open textual content fields.

Almost two-thirds of the respondents who commented believed that playing was, to some extent, a traditional a part of life in Australia.

Aussies drink, smoke, watch the footy, abuse the ref, have a tap on the pokie, have a flutter on an enormous multi. It's all a part of the fair dinkum she'll be right Australian lifestyle. (Consumer, Male, 30)

Everyone has gambled at some point. It's almost un-Australian to not have. (Consumer, Male, 21)

From raffles to pokies, racing, bingo, and many others. it seems to be in all facets of Aussie life ... I see it all over the place. (Consumer, Female, 56)

I believe it is a traditional part of Aussie lives, we love a punt with pals whether it is at the races or enjoying two-up on Anzac Day. (Consumer, Male, 23)

When requested about their views on the accessibility of playing in Australia, most described the widespread availability and ease of entry, particularly for on-line playing through smartphones and other internet-enabled gadgets. Many members commented that they believed gambling was 'too accessible in Australia'.

The accessibility is ridiculous. It's really easy to put a wager as quick as potential. Most people could unlock their cellphone, deposit cash and place a bet all in the house of 30 seconds. (Consumer, Male, 23)

Too accessible. Pokies on each nook in each city and easy access to betting apps in your phone. Money simply disappears from financial institution to betting account. Too tempting. (Consumer, Female, 30)

Everything is offered 24/7 on-line. Bet on events around the world at no matter time you want. (Consumer, Male, 45)

It is extremely straightforward for youths who've just turned 18 to sign up to on-line betting accounts and get carried away easily. I additionally assume the 'loot field' system in games promotes gambling to kids and teaches a young audience that throwing money into a service and not getting a lot in return is normal. (Consumer, Male, 20)

I've blended views. Done appropriately it generally is a enjoyable exercise. But it can be straightforward to turn out to be addicted. (Consumer, Male, 25)

Most contributors who commented on the ways that gambling is marketed and advertised in Australia believed that there was an oversaturation of ads (particularly associated to sports betting) and have been concerned about publicity among youngsters and younger individuals.

It's horrific, I used to be below 18 and getting gambling ads almost everywhere on social media! It's not right to focus on younger youngsters. (Consumer, Male, 18)

There's numerous it. Its satirical nature that attempts to enchantment to Australian values and subcultures like beer, being overweight, having a beard, sneakily and cleverly lure lots of people into betting. (Consumer, Male, 24)

I work in the business and feel it gets shoved down people's throats excessively. You can't watch a game of footy without being advised the percentages, so what do u think kids growing up are going to associate footy with? (Consumer, Male, 30)

Far an excessive amount of advertising, it encourages young children to gamble. As a former trainer, it is a worry when 10-year-old children speak about the percentages of an AFL team profitable a match or batsman makes one hundred in cricket. (Consumer, Male, 70)

What do customers and key consultants need to see sooner or later?

Almost half of the survey participants who responded to the open text fields (many who gamble regularly) reported that they wish to see adjustments to the gambling environment publish-COVID-19. The primary change members needed to see was a reduction in playing promotion and advertising - especially related to sports betting promoting.

It's in every single place. From Tv advertisements, to billboards, to social media adverts. It's bigger than the sport and you Can't keep away from it. It's too much. (Consumer, Male, 23)

Completely destructive, adverts should be regulated in an analogous vogue to alcohol and tobacco. The display of promotions and placement inside sporting occasions is reckless. (Consumer, Male, 30)

Professional sporting our bodies should distance themselves from being immediately aligned with these betting companies. Stop having official sponsors - that is the one method to reduce the content material and advertising throughout sport and on sporting websites/platforms. (Consumer, Male, 28)

Get real about sports betting firm's ways on social media - sponsored content, viral videos, sign-up bonuses. Stop normalising playing and cease blaming the individual if 'they can not hack it'. (Consumer, Male, 29)

Should not be marketed when young youngsters see it as regular. Footy is a household sport however many adverts in all forms of media make gambling appear regular and simply accessible. (Consumer, Female, 57)

Many individuals additionally needed to see adjustments to the availability and provision of land-based playing in Australia. This largely associated to restrictions on pokies venues and casinos.

Reduce entry to playing, particularly EGMs [electronic playing machines/pokies]. Reduce machine numbers and betting limits to stop hurt. Rip down 'VIP room' signage, including flashing indicators on exteriors of clubs and hotels. (Consumer, Male, 29)

Pubs & clubs should have their gaming room hours lowered. It is simply too simple for individuals to remain for 10 hours at a time. (Consumer, Female, 54)

Less gambling rooms, lower [spend] limits and slower spins. Mandatory pre-dedication per entry. (Consumer, Male, 29)

Removal of pokies from all venues besides casinos. (Consumer, Female, 48)

The opposite change that contributors most regularly raised associated to broader shopper safety measures and hurt discount messaging.

A national self-exclusion register. Firmer restrictions on playing promoting (probably utterly removing it) and more restrictions on gambling providers to select up downside gamblers earlier than they completely destroy their lives. (Consumer, Male, 25)

Limiting or closing of pokie machines/venues. Greater oversight for on-line betting. Mandatory restrictions for on-line bookmakers. Further support supplied for problem gamblers. (Consumer, Male, 30)

You see 100s of ads in the course of the footy and different sports activities - all I remember is something about not going too far and at all times being accountable at the tip of the advert. This is alleged rapidly and squeezed in at the end in 2 seconds. Perhaps one thing else might be achieved. (Consumer, Male, 23)

Regulation on on line casino video games on the App Store in Australia have to be a focus area for coverage makers. The one checks accomplished on access for underneath 18s is a button once you first enter the game warning it is intended for over 18s. (Consumer, Male, 29)

The bottom line is that playing in Australia is a public well being difficulty. It must be treated as such. (Consumer, Male, 29)

Key specialists also needed to see changes to the gambling setting in Australia and believed that there was assist for change in the broader group:

I feel like there's stronger public appetite for change round playing … it looks like the general public are more concerned about things like the pokies and sports activities betting than they were a few years in the past. (Key professional)

Some key consultants felt that the COVID-19 restrictions and the non permanent closure of land-based venues and suspension of sports provided an opportunity to 'take stock' of gambling in Australia and to implement some essential shopper protection measures.

We want to ensure that harm minimisation is front and centre of any decision making. (Key professional)

Key experts described a range of policy and practical initiatives that were deliberate, in process or the main focus of future advocacy, including:

- reviewing and strengthening responsible codes of conduct for playing in Australia (for each online and land-based providers), and making certain regular monitoring and compliance activities have been in place

- reviewing the appropriateness of 'accountable playing' messaging and studying from successful prevention and harm reduction campaigns in the tobacco and alcohol fields

- reviewing and limiting the availability of gambling marketing and promotions (especially related to sports activities betting)

- limiting the availability of land-based mostly gambling (e.g. lowering the variety of poker machines in venues, proscribing working hours), implementing pre-commitment methods (an amount willing to lose), and bettering staff training

- implementing efficient self-exclusion packages for online and land-primarily based playing merchandise

- encouraging help-seeking behaviour and growing the availability of Telehealth providers for counselling and remedy

- delivering targeted interventions for particular sub-populations, resembling young males

- conducting further analysis and data monitoring to enhance understanding of gambling participation and associated harms, both during and past COVID-19

- growing a National Gambling Strategy (just like Australia's National Alcohol Strategy) to forestall and minimise playing-associated harms among individuals, households and communities.

Notes

- Throughout this report, 'earlier than COVID-19' refers back to the 30 days earlier than the restrictions had been launched in Australia (i.e. February 2020), and 'during COVID-19' refers back to the 30 days previous to survey completion (i.e. throughout May-July 2020).

- Individual state and territory governments in Australia applied, eased and, in some cases, re-applied restrictions associated to land-based mostly playing venues (e.g. pokies venues, TABs) at completely different times. Similarly, some home and international sporting codes resumed competitors at different instances during the data collection period. We shall be conducting further analyses to explore jurisdictional differences to better perceive the impression that the timing of those modifications could have had on our findings.

- For the net client survey, the whole number of valid responses varies among questions. Appropriate paired assessments had been performed by taking account of variable types (continuous, binary, categorical and ordinal) and we examined that the mean or median of the differences between two time intervals was zero the place it applied. We reported '(statistically) vital' when p-value < 0.05.

We administered two scales: the issue Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) and the brief model of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT-C). Further info might be accessed right here: Ferris, J., & Wynne, H. (2001). The Canadian Problem Gambling Index: Final report. Ottawa: Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse; and Barbor, T. F. et al. (2001). AUDIT: The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test. Guidelines to be used in major health care. 2nd ed. Geneva: World Health Organization.

This study has supplied valuable information that will enhance the understanding of playing in Australia throughout COVID-19. There have been, however, limitations that needs to be thought of. The target sample for the web client survey was folks dwelling in Australia, aged 18 or over, and who had spent money on playing (online or at a venue) within the last 12 months. While we have been capable of recruit a big pattern of participants, this is a comfort sample of people that self-chosen to complete the survey and, as such, the findings is probably not representative or generalisable to the wider inhabitants of adults who gamble in Australia. Further, while confidentiality was assured and there have been no destructive consequences of disclosure, participant responses were based on self-report and may be topic to some social desirability or recall bias.

Media releases

- Raising the stakes: how Australians are playing during COVID-19

The Australian Gambling Research Centre was established below the Commonwealth Gambling Measures Act 2012. Our playing research program displays the Act, embodies a national perspective, and has a strong household focus. We're part of the Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS) and want to tremendously acknowledge AIFS for supporting this work. Special thanks go to our colleagues within the Communications team, and to Think HQ, for his or her encouragement, help and guidance throughout the research course of. We're indebted to the research participants and key stakeholders for his or her assist, generosity of time and useful contributions to this analysis.

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