Australian gambling survey claims 90% of 18-34 males have problems

Australia’s gamblers went a little stir-crazy during their pandemic lockdown, if the results from a new survey are to be believed.

A survey released Monday by the Australian Gambling Research Center (AGRC) attempts to quantify the behavior of Aussie gamblers during the COVID-19 pandemic, a period that saw the closure of nearly all land-based gambling operations and the temporary halt to major league sports play.

Gambling In Australia During COVID-19 surveyed 2,019 gamblers during June-July 2020, drawing respondents via social media ads, ‘e-news alerts’ and word of mouth. Nearly three-quarters (73%) of respondents were male, with an average age of 38 years.

Horseracing was the most popular form of gambling prior to and during COVID-19 restrictions, enjoyed by 57% of respondents in both periods. Sports betting ranked second with 46% participation prior to and 45% during COVID-19. Lotteries were third with 41% prior, 38% during.