Electronic gaming machine accessibility and gambling problems: A natural policy experiment

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Gambling Research
• Policy Evaluation

Background:

• Electronic gaming machines (EGMs) are a significant source of individual gambling harm.
• The population-level impact of restricting EGM functions and accessibility remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of restricted electronic gaming machine (EGM) accessibility on population-level gambling harm.
• To compare gambling problems in Western Australia (WA) with restricted EGM access to other Australian jurisdictions with widespread EGM availability.

Main Methods:

• A natural policy experiment utilizing a large national dataset (N=15,000).
• Comparison of gambling problem estimates between WA residents and residents of other Australian jurisdictions.
• Analysis controlled for standard population variables, with similar accessibility for other gambling forms.

Main Results:

• Despite higher overall gambling participation in WA, EGM participation was halved.
• Aggregate gambling problems and harm were approximately one-third lower in WA.
• Reduced EGM use in WA was the primary driver of lower gambling problems, with minimal transfer to other gambling forms.

Conclusions:

• Restricted EGM accessibility, not structural features, is linked to lower gambling harm.
• Policies limiting EGM accessibility can substantially reduce population-level gambling harm.
• Evidence suggests minimal problem transfer to other gambling forms when EGMs are restricted.