Gambling in Victoria: Changes in Participation, Problem Gambling and Gambling Environment Between 2008 and 2018

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Gambling Studies

Background:

• Gambling's public health impact is significant and complex.
• Problem gambling and gambling harm require ongoing surveillance.
• Jurisdictional prevalence studies are crucial for monitoring trends.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare changes in gambling and problem gambling prevalence in Victoria between 2008 and 2018.
• To investigate individual gambling activities and their link to the gambling ecosystem.
• To identify shifts in high-risk gambling behaviors and associated demographics.

Main Methods:

• Replicated prevalence study design.
• Analysis of individual gambling activities and problem gambling indicators.
• Exploration of the Victorian gambling environment and its influence.

Main Results:

• Overall gambling participation declined, yet problem gambling prevalence remained stable.
• Electronic Gaming Machines (EGMs) and other high-risk activities maintain strong associations with problem gambling.
• Increased participation in high-risk activities (excluding EGMs) observed, alongside a rise in gambling access and exposure, creating new vulnerable groups like young adults.

Conclusions:

• Despite decreased overall participation, specific high-risk gambling activities, particularly EGMs, continue to drive problem gambling.
• Interventions like smoking bans and ATM removal from venues show effectiveness in reducing expenditure on EGMs.
• Targeted prevention and harm reduction strategies are essential, especially for young adults and those engaging in high-risk activities.