Sports betting has seen a significant surge of over 57%, with a notable increase in participation among younger demographics. Recent data reveals a substantial rise in Australian men engaging in sports betting between 2015 and 2022. Specifically, the proportion of men involved in sports betting escalated from 5.9% to 9.3%, marking a 57.6% surge over the seven-year period. Within the subset of male gamblers, nearly a quarter have shifted their focus to sports betting, up from 14% in 2015.
The Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey, tracking approximately 17,000 individuals annually, has shed light on the evolving landscape of sports betting. The survey’s insights into gambling behaviors, expenditures, and associated harms have been instrumental in understanding this phenomenon. Notably, the average monthly expenditure on sports betting among men has increased from around A$85.95 in 2015 to nearly $110 in 2022.
A key trend underlying the surge in sports betting pertains to age differentials, with younger Australians driving much of the growth. The data indicates a substantial spike of 62% to 66% in sports betting among men aged 18 to 44. This demographic’s inclination towards online gambling platforms, facilitated by aggressive digital marketing and user-friendly betting applications, has contributed significantly to the upsurge in sports betting activities.
Conversely, older age groups, particularly individuals aged 45 and above, have exhibited lower engagement in sports betting. In 2022, only 2.7% of Australians aged 65 and older reported involvement in sports betting, contrasting with 14.9% of individuals aged 25–34 who participated in such activities.
However, alongside the escalating participation in sports betting, concerns regarding gambling-related harm have intensified. The Problem Gambling Severity Index, gauging the extent of gambling-related risks, has revealed a rise in high-risk gambling behaviors among male sports bettors from 6.3% in 2015 to 8.7% in 2022. This translates to over 105,000 male sports gamblers categorized as high-risk individuals.
Furthermore, the data underscores a worrisome trend where younger age groups, notably men aged 18 to 34, are increasingly susceptible to gambling-related harm. In 2022, nearly 20% of Australian men within this age bracket reported experiencing some form of gambling harm, indicating a pressing need for intervention and support mechanisms.
To address these challenges, proposals advocating for a complete ban on gambling advertisements have gained traction. Such measures aim to mitigate the adverse impacts of excessive marketing on vulnerable demographics, particularly the youth. Urgent interventions are imperative to safeguard the well-being of younger Australians, particularly men, and curb the escalating trend of sports betting. Proactive steps, including stringent regulations and targeted interventions, are crucial to steer individuals away from harmful gambling practices and promote responsible engagement within the sports betting landscape.