University of Sydney leads the way with study on internet gambling

The University of Sydney is conducting the first survey into internet gambling, one of the fastest growing forms of gambling in Australia.

Researchers say data collected from the Australian Gambling Survey will assist policy makers and industry insiders gain a better understanding of internet gambling and the people involved.

While a 2008 Neilsen survey of online activity found internet gambling is one of the top 10 activities conducted online across all age groups and one of the top four online activities for people aged 35 and over very little is actually known about its social and economic impacts.

Head of the project, Dr Sally Gainsbury, was awarded a $25,000 grant from the Menzies Foundation to conduct the research.

“As a clinical psychologist I’m concerned about the impact that internet gambling has on youth and problem gamblers,” she said.

“It is highly accessible, fast, can be played alone, at home, with just a credit card and unregulated sites provide few player protection measures.”

Dr Gainsbury said while internet wagering and sports betting is legal in Australia, internet casino games, gaming machines and online poker are illegal.

She said Australia loses almost one billion dollars a year overseas to these activities, which are increasing in popularity, particularly with young adults.

“Unregulated, illegal sites may also take players’ money, run games in a fraudulent manner and allow under 18-year-olds to play,” she said.

“It is very difficult for policy makers and industry groups to respond to internet gambling without knowing many details about participation in Australia.”

Dr Gainsbury is collaborating with a team of researchers including Professor Alex Blaszczynski from the University of Sydney.

“Evidence of the growing popularity of internet gambling is reflected in the number of international jurisdictions legalizing on-line gambling and, within Australia, the heavy promotion of internet sports betting on television; cricket, football and basketball,” Professor Blaszczynski said.

“Although the majority of people gamble within their affordable limits, a small percentage suffer severe negative consequences.

Dr Gainsbury said she expected the nature of internet gambling would mean higher abuse levels among those surveyed.

“I would expect to see factors such as the constant accessibility combined with the lack of controls and anonymity meaning abuse will be more frequent and individuals already gambling can gamble online when other forms are not readily available,” she said.

Psychological consequences of excessive gambling include severe depression, suicidal ideation, substance abuse, stress and marital/familial conflicts.

The research will survey all Australians over the age of 18 who have gambled for money in the past year and will conclude in June 2011.

The study is collaboration between the University of Sydney and Southern Cross University.

The online survey can be seen at http://tinyurl.com/3ys6tn5

By Simon Black