ACMA research shows increase in Australians gambling online
Over one in ten Australians have reported participating in online gambling at some stage in the last six months, according to new research from the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).
According to the government authority, the 11% total is an increase from 8% in 2020. The figure comes from the ‘Online gambling in Australia’ snapshot, which was undertaken in June 2021.
The research also found that 8% of Australians reported participating in betting on sports or racing over the previous six months, compared to 5% in 2020.
The research aims to provide insights into how Covid-19 has impacted online gambling habits, with the ACMA noting that 16% of Australians who gamble online reported an increase in their gambling frequency compared to before the pandemic started.
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 such services are substantially higher than in other industries.
It also found that social media sites and streaming services such as Twitch are becoming increasingly popular methods for affiliates to target gamblers.
“The ACMA has a role protecting Australians from harms associated with online gambling,” a statement from the authority read. “In 2017, the ACMA started enforcing new illegal offshore gambling rules under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001, which prohibit online gambling services such as casinos from being provided or advertised to Australians.
“Since then the ACMA has facilitated the blocking of 354 illegal gambling websites and 21 affiliate marketing sites.”
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