Betting restrictions and online wagering in Australia

Content type
Research report
Published

November 2017

Researchers

Jennifer Podesta, Anna Thomas

Despite its relatively small population, Australia is estimated to account for 5% of the global interactive or online gambling market. Further, with a longstanding cultural acceptance of gambling and one of the highest rates of Internet and smartphone usage globally, Australia has seen a seven-fold growth in the licensed onshore wagering market over the past 10 years. Comparatively little is known about the interactive betting behaviours of individuals, including that of online wagerers. This means that creating and implementing appropriate policy and regulation is a challenge for legislators. 

The current study was commissioned by the Department of Social Services (DSS) as part of the government’s response to Recommendation 15 from the O’Farrell Review into Illegal Offshore Wagering. The impetus for the recommendation in the O’Farrell Review and the subsequent response from the Commonwealth Government came from anecdotal reports that consumers are experiencing a range of restrictions to online wagering through licensed Australian operators including monetary limits placed on their bets and account closures. 

This study sought to identify what is currently known about the occurrence of restrictions in Australian licensed online wagering operators and the impact of these on consumers’ behaviour.

This report is published on the Department of Social Services website
Betting restrictions and online wagering in Australia – A review of current knowledge report

Acknowledgements

Featured image: © GettyImages/Bet_Noire

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