Gambling and alcohol use among Australian youth

gambling and alcohol Consumption is a widespread behavior among Australian youth and young adults, often leading to a range of social and health-related harms. Research on “bets and boos”conducted in September 2024 by the Australian Gambling Research Center (AGRC) at the Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS), to examine the context, harms and predictions associated with simultaneous gambling and alcohol use in individuals aged 16 to 35 years. The factors were investigated in detail. .

research approach

The study consisted of an online survey of 1,168 participants who had participated in gambling within the past year and in-depth interviews with 18 people in this group who reported concurrent gambling and alcohol use. A mixed methods approach was adopted.

Main findings

The results revealed that about half of the survey participants frequently consumed alcohol while gambling. Licensed venues were identified as common environments that facilitate this collaborative consumption, where social interactions such as gatherings with friends, partners, and family often play a major role. motivation.

Participants in this study were primarily male (64%) and the majority were between 26 and 35 years old (58%). Most were employed (87%) and about a third were students (31%). The sample included individuals from all Australian states and territories, with the majority residing in major cities (70%). Participation in gambling was high, with electronic gambling machines (EGMs) being the most popular among both men and women. Men were more active in sports betting and horse racing, while women were more likely to participate in lottery tickets and instant scratch tickets.

Gambling and alcohol use often begin around the age of 18, and some people start even earlier. This early contact was often perceived as a rite of passage in Australian culture. However, minors’ involvement in these activities was associated with increased risk of gambling and alcohol-related harm as adults. Despite a significant portion of the sample being at risk of gambling-related harm, the majority did not seek help. The reason is often because they didn’t realize they needed help. For those who needed help but didn’t ask for it, embarrassment was the most commonly cited barrier.

Frequent gambling was common, with 45% of participants participating in weekly gambling activities. Although men reported participating more frequently in sports and racing events, weekly participation in slots and lottery games was similar for men and women. The study also assessed gambling-related harms. Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI); The results revealed that approximately two-thirds of participants were at risk of experiencing gambling-related harm. Men showed a higher prevalence of risky gambling compared to women.

Participants communicated a variety of harms associated with gambling, including financial hardship, negative impact on employment and school performance, health problems, and strained relationships. On average, individuals experienced one to two gambling-related harms in the past year. Commonly reported problems include decreased spending on recreational activities, feelings of regret, and increased alcohol consumption. In-depth interviews highlighted the psychological toll of gambling, with some participants expressing feelings such as: depression and anxiety After a significant loss.

Alcohol use was prevalent among participants, with men reporting drinking more frequently. A significantly larger sample of men and women consumed alcohol in excess of recommended guidelines, and many engaged in episodic binge drinking.

Combining gambling and alcohol was widespread, with 80% of participants reporting using alcohol at some point while gambling. About half said they often or always drink alcohol while gambling. These participants often engaged in a combination of these activities and had higher PGSI scores, suggesting an increased risk of gambling-related harm. Licensed venues were common destinations for communal consumption, with easy access to both gambling opportunities and alcohol. Some participants indicated that alcohol consumption led to more impulsive gambling behavior and increased spending.

Social factors play an important role in gambling behavior, and many participants view gambling as a social activity. The presence of friends and family often influences gambling and drinking habits, with men more likely to gamble with friends and women more likely to gamble with a partner or family member. Despite the prevalence of dangerous gambling, fewer people sought help. Although the majority of participants did not feel a need for help, among those who did feel a need for help, shame was a major barrier. Some emphasized the value of peer support and counseling in dealing with gambling problems.

Important points

The findings have policy implications for national and international governments in understanding the impacts and harms of gambling and alcohol consumption, including stricter enforcement of age restrictions in licensed venues, increased awareness and It emphasizes the need for improvement. education Regarding the harm of gambling and alcohol consumption at the same time, sex– Responsive prevention and treatment strategies and efforts to remove the stigma of people seeking help for gambling-related harm.

The importance of addressing these issues is critical to reducing the social and health impacts of gambling and alcohol use among Australian youth and young adults.