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Facts about gambling in NSW

Over half of NSW adults gamble each year – mainly lotteries, then pokies, scratchies and race betting. So where’s the harm? Check out our latest stats.

Most of GambleAware’s most recent figures come from the NSW Gambling Survey 2019, a research report commissioned by the NSW Responsible Gaming Fund. It’s a hefty document, so we’ve summarised some of the key findings.

Biggest takeouts of the NSW Gambling Survey 2019

Check out the video to see how how much gambling in NSW has changed since our last gambling survey in 2011. Then download the fact sheets for more detail.

Fact: 1% of all adults in NSW are classified as problem gamblers

Infographic showing the proportion of people in New South Wales who have issues with gambling

Fact: People who gamble online are twice as likely to have gambling problems

Fact: Almost 20% of gamblers in NSW experience gambling problems

Infographic showing that almost 20% of people in NSW who gamble have some degree of gambling problems

Fact: Some groups are more vulnerable to harms caused by gambling

Infographic showing the likelihood of different cohorts experiencing harm as a result of gambling

Fact: Lotteries are the most common form of gambling

Infographic showing how types of gambling are broken down highlighting lotteries are the most common, followed by poker machines, scratchies and race betting

Fact: People’s choice of gambling type changes with age

Infographic showing that different age groups tend to have different gambling preferences

Fact: Men generally gamble more than women

Infographic showing forms of gambling more likely to cause harm, men gamble more than women

Fact: Pokies present more risk of harm than any other form of gambling

Infographic showing poker machines present more risk of harm than any other form of gambling, followed by online poker games

Fact: Gambling harm doesn’t just affect the person who gambles

Infographic showing that gambling harm doesn’t just affect the person who gambles and it also affects people around them

Fact: Certain cohorts are at higher risk of developing gambling problems

Infographic showing the likelihood of different cohorts experiencing harm as a result of gambling

For free, confidential advice and support, call GambleAware on 1800 858 858 and arrange to talk to a counsellor near you.

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GambleAware acknowledges Aboriginal people as the traditional custodians of the land and we pay respects to Elders past, present and emerging. GambleAware is an inclusive support service.

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