45% of Young Adults in Australia Gamble Every Week

New research from the Australian Institute for Family Studies and the Australian Gambling Research Centre has revealed that 45% of 16-35 year-olds gamble on a weekly basis.

The study, Bets ‘n’ Booze, was conducted online with all 1,100 participants joining the survey via a social media advertising campaign.

According to the study’s findings lottery, keno and instant scratch card games were the favored product of female gamblers while male gamblers favored sports betting and pokies (slot machines).

The study also tied alcohol consumption to gambling activity with 80% of those surveyed stating that they drink alcohol when gambling. Meanwhile 14% stated that they drank more alcohol as a result of gambling while. Participants also felt that both gambling and alcohol consumption were rites of passage for those aged under 18.

Key Findings

• 76% of participants gambled in the last 12 months
• 45% of participants gamble weekly
• 76% of participants play pokies regularly
• 75% of males gambled on sports events in the last 12 months
• 39% of females gambled on sports events in the last 12 months
• 52% of males gambled on scratch cards in the last 12 months
• 75% of females gambled on scratch cards in the last 12 months
• 80% of gamblers drink alcohol when gambling
• 14% of participants consumed more alcohol as a result of gambling
• 25% of those surveyed said they had regrets following gambling
• 20% of participants deemed high risk gamblers

Underage gambling

• 29% reported gambling when a minor
• 34% of under 18s play pokies
• 20% of under 18s bet on horses
• 15% of under 18s bet on sports
• 9% of under 18s bet on scratch cards

Australian Gambling Losses Highest in the World

Release of these latest Australian gambling statistics follow a recent study by the Grattan Institute which revealed that Australian gambling losses are the highest in the world. The study shows that the average gambling losses of AU$1,635 ($1,105) per year are much greater that the averages in other countries with regulated gambling such as the United States – AU$809 ($547), and New Zealand – AU$584 ($394).

Olivia Richardson

Olivia has worked as an editor and writer for major brands across multiple niches. She now focuses on the iGaming and sports betting industries.