New research from the ACMA has found that more than one in 10 (11%) Australians have reported participating in online gambling at some stage in the previous 6 months, up from 8% in 2020.
The Online gambling in Australia snapshot, undertaken in June 2021, also showed an increase in sports betting, with 8% of Australians betting on sports or racing over the last 6 months, compared to 5% in 2020.
The research provides insight into the impact of COVID-19 on online gambling habits, with 16% of Australians who gamble online reporting an increase in their gambling frequency compared to before the pandemic.
Also released was a desktop study into affiliate marketing services that promote and facilitate access to online gambling services.
The study found commissions for affiliate marketing sites for online gambling are substantially higher than other industries. The study also notes that social media and streaming services such as Twitch are becoming popular ways for affiliates to target gamblers.
The ACMA has a role protecting Australians from harms associated with online gambling. In 2017, the ACMA started enforcing new illegal offshore gambling rules under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001, which prohibit online gambling services such as casinos from being provided or advertised to Australians. Since then the ACMA has facilitated the blocking of 354 illegal gambling websites and 21 affiliate marketing sites.
Both research reports will contribute to ACMA decision-making by providing up-to-date market developments and insights into consumer trends.