ACMA Research Shows Increase in Australians Gambling Online

New research from the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has found that more than one in ten (11%) Australians have reported participating in online gambling at some stage in the previous six 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.

The ACMA also released 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.

Both research reports will contribute to ACMA decision-making by providing up-to-date market developments and insights into consumer trends.