The number of Canberrans accessing online gambling platforms, such as sports betting and online lottery tickets, has increased fivefold since 2019. Photo: Hirurg.
The number of Canberrans gambling online has increased fivefold since 2019, leading to calls for a more proportionate ACT response to all forms of gambling.
The 2024 ACT Gambling Survey is the fifth of its kind since 2001, monitoring the trends in gambling participation, risk and harm.
It noted a “clear upward trend” in online gambling, with 26.9 per cent of surveyed adults taking part.
Online gambling was highest among men (32.5 per cent), particularly those aged 25 to 54 years.
Sports betting (or wagering) and online lottery tickets were the most common forms of online gambling.
“This shift toward online modes highlights the need for targeted interventions addressing digital gambling environments and the demographic groups most engaged in them,” the report noted.
“Less common and emerging products, such as esports betting and online casinos, show relatively high rates of risky or problem gambling among the smaller subset who use them.
“While some forms [of gambling], such as casino table games and some emerging products, have higher individual risk profiles, EGMs [electronic gaming machines] and wagering contribute more to overall problems because they combine high risk with high participation rates.”
Concerns were raised about simulated gambling activities, particularly loot boxes and social casino games, as potential pathways to future gambling participation, given that they use similar gambling mechanics, such as randomised rewards and microtransactions.
“The emergent popularity of simulated gambling activities is a finding that warrants attention, particularly for how they affect younger men,” the report noted.
“Online channels, certain newer products, and particular demographic segments – especially younger men – deserve focused attention in any harm-prevention strategy.”
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ClubsACT CEO Craig Shannon said the rise in online gambling showed there was a “massively disproportionate focus” on in-venue gambling.
“Our clubs provide in-venue pathways to intervention and assistance for patrons with gambling issues,” he said.
“In-venue gambling is the only form of gambling that has oversight, prevention and assistance frameworks, yet it’s the low-hanging fruit.”
As of November 2024, there were 3433 EGMs in the ACT, operating across two hotels and 35 individual club locations.
There has been little change in venue legislation or regulation in the ACT since the 2019 survey.
But for online gambling, there has been the staged implementation of some measures of the National Consumer Protection Framework for Online Wagering, including the introduction of new messaging to replace the ‘gamble responsibly’ tagline, the National Self-Exclusion Register (BetStop) and stricter customer verification requirements.
Mr Shannon voiced his concerns that continued restrictions on EGMs could be encouraging an “explosion” of gambling online.
“[Online] there is no real oversight, prevention or intervention framework specifically assisting those facing gambling harm,” he said.
“These findings highlight the importance of a dual approach. We must continue supporting safe gambling environments in clubs while developing new regulatory tools to address the growing threat of online gambling.”
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The report noted that the ACT gambling landscape was still evolving, with participation down slightly but gambling programs persisting.
“The most effective harm reduction measures at the population level may include limiting the availability and convenience of the most harmful gambling products, such as EGMs and certain forms of wagering,” it stated.
Overall, it showed a “modest” decrease in the number of adults gambling in the ACT since 2019, down to 53.2 per cent.
The number of adults using EGMs reduced from 19.7 per cent to 15.7 per cent, with men more likely to gamble than women.
Those in Tuggeranong and Gungahlin reported higher levels of participation.
Young men were the most susceptible to gambling problems. Men under 40 represent only 22.6 per cent of Canberra’s population, but accounted for more than half (51.5 per cent) of those most affected by gambling harm.
1.4 per cent of people who gamble accounted for 45.5 per cent of total money lost gambling in the ACT.
“Because the number of people experiencing gambling problems has remained relatively stable, gambling problems are becoming more concentrated among those who continue to gamble,” the report noted.
“This trend underscores the importance of targeted harm-reduction efforts focused on the shrinking-but increasingly vulnerable group of people who gamble actively.”
Gaming Reform Minister Marisa Paterson said these findings would inform future policy and intervention strategies, including targeted efforts to reduce gambling harm.
“This includes exploring stronger advertising controls and other measures to address the risks posed by online gambling,” she said.
The ACT Government aims to reduce the number of EGMs in Canberra to 1000 by 2045.
Mandatory account-based cashless gaming in all venues was an ACT Labor commitment, with the aim of legislating the measure to commence in 2026-27.
If you or someone you know is affected by gambling, free and confidential help is available 24/7 through the ACT Gambling Support Service on 1800 858 858.
